Barr forces out powerful US attorney in New York who investigated Trump associates

[people]

This discussion thread was locked as off-topic by JudyM (a host of the Latest Breaking News forum).

Source: CNN

"Geoffrey Berman, the powerful US attorney for the Southern District of New York who has investigated a number of powerful associates with connections to President Donald Trump, was forced out of his position Friday, two sources tell CNN.

In a late night press release announcing Berman's departure, the Justice Department said Trump intends to nominate Jay Clayton, the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, who has never been a prosecutor.

A Justice Department official told CNN that Berman was offered other positions at Justice, including the head of the civil division, where assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt abruptly announced his departure this week. Berman declined.

A second source with knowledge of the matter said Berman was asked to resign and refused."





Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/19/politics/southern-district-of-new-york-geoffrey-berman-jay-clayton/index.html

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US Atty Berman just announced to the press know he's not leaving his office until the Senate confirms his replacement and that's because he wants to protect the investigations going on in his office.

[George II]

1. But he's not leaving. He issued a statement that the person who "fired" him...

....(they said he resigned, which he disagreed with) can't do it.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ea7KsHsX0AAOrP3?format=jpg&name=900x900

[amb123]

2. And the tRump purge of the SDNY begins.

It's the Saturday Night Massacre all over again.

[Lock him up.]

3. Lock baRr up.

Lock him up too!

[C_U_L8R]

4. Looks like a hell of a fight is brewing.

Berman needs all our support.

[blakstoneranger]

5. LOCK HIM UP!! LOCK HIM UP!!! LOCK HIM UP!!

[Gothmog]

6. Berman has not resigned and trump may not be able fo replace him without Senate confirmed nominee

Berman has not stepped down and trump cannot replace him unless he resigns

Link to tweet

Link to tweet

[herding cats]

8. This was my understanding from what I've read tonight.

The senate will most likely confirm his replacement, but it's going to generate bad press and many headlines they can't afford in an election year. Also, it will end up taking time they can't afford to waste.

I'm proud of Judge Berman for standing up here and making them fight to remove him.

[Gothmog]

13. From what I have seen, I am also proud of Judge Berman

[VMA131Marine]

7. Trump, and only Trump, may have the power to fire Berman

But, not if it’s for a corrupt purpose, i.e. because one of Berman’s investigations is getting too close to Trump or one of his cronies (<cough> Giuliani <cough&gt . That would open Trump up to being impeached... again.

[BigmanPigman]

9. Not so fast Barr...

YOU have NO say in this so fuck off and die ASAP!

[Cirque du So-What]

10. It will be a real shit show

If rump, barr & mcturtle conspire to replace Berman by approving a hand-picked toady. They think they’ve seen outrage so far...just wait.

[sandensea]

11. Another day at the office for Jabba-the-Barr

[Princess Turandot]

12. Geoff Berman is now serving by appointment of the judges of the Southern District of NY...

He was an interim appointment by Trump, but he wasn't nominated to the actual position by him. (Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that he recused himself from the Cohen investigation immediately, but that's speculation.)

When Berman's interim appointment expired with no action from Washington, on him or someone else, the judges invoked a rule that allows them to vote on his continued appointment to the position, and voted unanimously to keep him on. I believe the rule says that he cannot be removed by DOJ until a new US Attorney for the spot is nominated and confirmed by the Senate. That's likely why they offered him a different job, from which he could have terminated by DOJ.

[BadgerMom]

14. Thank you.

Very informative.

[bucolic_frolic]

15. What are they trying to squelch this time?

Trying to replace him with an SEC lawyer? So financial crimes soon to be front and center?

This is a Friday Night Massacre

[JudyM]

16. Locking

Dupe of https://www.democraticunderground.com/10142519085

Please continue discussion in that thread.