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Trump’s former AG Bill Bar says Jan. 6 indictment legitimate, willing to testify

Published

2 years ago

August 7, 2023

Former Attorney General Bill Barr said he is willing to testify in the recent criminal case against his former boss, ex-President Donald Trump, stating that he believes the 2020 election interference indictment against Trump is “legitimate.”

In an interview on CBS News, Barr dismissed the argument presented by Trump’s legal team that the charges stem from statements protected by the First Amendment.

“It’s certainly a challenging case, but I don’t think it runs afoul of the First Amendment,” Barr said on “Face the Nation.”

“From a prosecutor’s standpoint, I think it’s a legitimate case,” he said.

Barr indicated that he would testify in the case if called upon but evaded questions about his involvement in the inquiry by Special Counsel Jack Smith that led to Trump’s four-count indictment.

Another Trump administration member, former Vice President Mike Pence, conveyed that he does not intend to testify unless compelled to do so.

Pence had previously raised constitutional concerns regarding his obligation to testify before a grand jury but eventually testified earlier in the year.

In June, Barr had expressed that the January 6th case would be challenging due to First Amendment interests.

Trump’s legal team has emphasised First Amendment concerns in this case, which marks the third indictment against the former president within four months.

Barr highlighted the distinction that federal prosecutors are not solely targeting Trump for making dubious election fraud claims but are also focusing on procedural actions.

He explained that a conspiracy crime is considered completed when an agreement is reached and initial steps are taken.

“There’s a lot of confusion out there,” Barr said Sunday of the free speech concerns.

“This involved a situation where the states had already made the official authoritative determinations … sent the votes and certified them to Congress,” he continued.

“The allegation essentially by the government has been at that point, the president conspired, entered into a scheme that involved a lot of deceit, the object of which, was to erase those votes.”

Trump’s lawyer, John Lauro, asserted on CNN’s “State of the Union” that Trump’s actions were lawful and transparent, asserting that they were protected under free speech rights.

Lauro cited the Supreme Court decision in Hammerschmidt to support the argument that exercising free speech does not constitute fraud against the government.

Barr stressed that the allegations involve a situation where states had already made official determinations, certified votes, and sent them to Congress.

The government’s contention is that the president engaged in a scheme involving deception with the intention of nullifying those votes.

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Hong Kong high-rise inferno leaves dozens dead and hundreds missing

Deadly fire at Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court kills 36, 279 missing; authorities face scrutiny over construction safety.

Published

58 minutes ago

November 27, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Deadly fire at Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court kills 36, 279 missing; authorities face scrutiny over construction safety.

A horrific fire has torn through Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court housing complex, killing at least 36 people and leaving 279 missing. The blaze erupted in the Tai Po district and quickly intensified as bamboo scaffolding helped the flames spread with alarming speed.

The complex, home to nearly 4,800 residents, was undergoing major renovations at the time of the disaster. Authorities are now facing renewed scrutiny over construction safety and the ongoing reliance on bamboo scaffolding, which has been at the centre of multiple accidents in recent years.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed deep condolences and called for urgent rescue and recovery operations as emergency teams continue searching for survivors.
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National Guard troops shot near White House as lockdown declared

Two National Guard members shot near the White House; critical condition prompts major law enforcement response and lockdown.

Published

1 hour ago

November 27, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Two National Guard members shot near the White House; critical condition prompts major law enforcement response and lockdown.

Two National Guard members have been shot in Washington, D.C., just blocks from the White House, prompting a major response from law enforcement. A suspect was also shot during the confrontation, and officials report the guards are in critical condition. President Trump, currently in Florida for the Thanksgiving holiday, confirmed the severity of the incident.

Authorities quickly locked down the White House and the Treasury Department’s headquarters as police surrounded Farragut Square with heavy security and yellow tape. The area remains closed off as investigators work to understand what led to the violent encounter.

This shooting comes as tensions rise around the National Guard’s legal role in the capital. A federal judge recently ruled their presence violates several laws but delayed action until December 11, leaving a controversial deployment in limbo.
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Ukraine backs US-led peace accord as final details near completion

Ukraine supports US-led peace accord to end war with Russia, aiming for resolution of final elements soon.

Published

21 hours ago

November 26, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Ukraine supports US-led peace accord to end war with Russia, aiming for resolution of final elements soon.

Ukraine has signalled support for a US-led peace accord aimed at ending the war with Russia, with officials confirming that only minor elements remain to be finalised. The framework represents the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the conflict began.

According to Ukrainian officials, Kyiv fully supports the essence of the proposal, while Washington says progress is encouraging but further negotiations are required. The agreement focuses heavily on territory held by Russia and the security guarantees needed to protect Ukraine long-term.

With momentum building, global attention now turns to how remaining issues will be resolved and how soon a final agreement can be reached.

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