William Barr was US attorney general 25 years ago, under George H.W. Bush – and Donald Trump may want him back in the job
- William Barr served as the top US law enforcer from 1991 to 1993
- Barr has been critical of Special Counsel Robert Mueller, and has said Donald Trump was right to fire James Comey as FBI director
Former US Attorney General William Barr has emerged as US President Donald Trump’s likely choice to succeed Jeff Sessions as the nation’s chief law enforcement official, according to three people familiar with the matter.
Barr, if nominated by Trump and confirmed by the Senate, would replace Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, who has been filling the position since Sessions was ousted on November 7.
He would take over management of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and possible collusion by Trump’s campaign – the issue that cost Sessions his job.
Barr was George H.W. Bush’s attorney general between 1991 and 1993.
The Washington Post reported earlier Barr was the front-runner for the post. He’s been mentioned as a potential nominee, and Senator Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican who is in line to lead the Judiciary Committee next year and oversee Barr’s confirmation, said he would be a good choice.