William Barr
Network
William Barr
Timeline
All Connections
89 total
All Connections
89 totalBush appointed Barr as 77th Attorney General (1991-1993). Barr previously served as Deputy AG and head of OLC under Bush. Barr recommended pardons for Iran-Contra figures Caspar Weinberger et al. in Dec 1992, which Bush granted.
Trump nominated Barr as 85th Attorney General (Feb 14, 2019 - Dec 23, 2020). Barr oversaw Mueller Report characterization, Epstein SDNY prosecution, fired Geoffrey Berman from SDNY, intervened in Roger Stone and Michael Flynn cases. Epstein reacted to nomination: 'Barr a disaster for t[rump]' (Dec 7, 2018).
Rosenstein served as Deputy AG when Barr arrived as AG in Feb 2019. Rosenstein had appointed Mueller as Special Counsel and oversaw the investigation. Rosenstein resigned May 2019 after Barr took control of Mueller Report rollout. Rosenstein's departure removed oversight buffer between Barr and SDNY.
Barr characterized Mueller's Special Counsel Report in his 4-page summary (Mar 24, 2019), which Mueller himself objected to as not capturing the 'context, nature, and substance' of the report. Judge Reggie Walton found Barr displayed 'lack of candor' in Mueller Report representations. Barr and Mueller had known each other for decades — their wives attended Bible study together.
Barr appointed Durham as Special Counsel to investigate origins of FBI's Crossfire Hurricane investigation into Trump-Russia ties (May 2019). Durham's investigation lasted 4 years, cost .5M, resulted in zero convictions. Epstein tracked this: 'intel chiefs in barrs sights' (HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_027719). Durham appointment diverted DOJ resources and attention during period of Epstein prosecution.
Barr's DOJ intervened in Stone sentencing (Feb 2020), overruling career prosecutors who recommended 7-9 years. DOJ filed revised memo seeking lighter sentence. All four prosecutors withdrew from case in protest. Stone was convicted of lying to Congress, witness tampering, and obstruction. Trump later commuted Stone's sentence (Jul 2020) and pardoned him (Dec 2020).
Barr's DOJ moved to dismiss charges against Flynn (May 2020) despite Flynn having twice pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI. Barr assigned outside USA Jeff Jensen (E.D. Mo.) to review case. Jensen recommended dismissal. Judge Emmet Sullivan resisted, appointed John Gleeson as amicus. Case ultimately dismissed after Trump pardon (Nov 2020). Pattern of Barr intervening in cases involving Trump associates.
Liu was US Attorney for DC (2017-2020) overseeing Flynn, Stone, and other politically sensitive cases. Barr moved Liu from DC USA to Treasury Dept undersecretary nomination in Jan 2020, then withdrew her nomination before she could testify to Senate. Liu had overseen prosecutions Barr later sought to reverse. LittleSis confirms professional relationship (entity 448412).
Donoghue served as Barr's Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General — effectively Barr's chief operational deputy. Previously EDNY USA. Donoghue later testified to Jan 6 Committee about Trump pressuring DOJ to declare election fraud. Donoghue was a key intermediary between Barr and US Attorney offices including SDNY during Epstein prosecution period.
Rosen served as Barr's Deputy AG and succeeded him as Acting AG (Dec 2020 - Jan 2021). Rosen was previously Deputy Secretary of Transportation. Under Rosen, DOJ maintained continuity on Epstein-related matters after Barr's departure. Rosen later testified to Jan 6 Committee about Trump pressure to use DOJ to overturn election.
Strauss became Acting US Attorney for SDNY after Barr fired Geoffrey Berman (Jun 20, 2020). As Berman's deputy, she was next in line per statute. Under Strauss, SDNY arrested Ghislaine Maxwell (Jul 2, 2020) — two weeks after Berman firing. Strauss maintained continuity on Epstein prosecution despite Barr's attempt to install Jay Clayton.
Both were partners/of counsel at Kirkland & Ellis. Lefkowitz was on Epstein's defense team, negotiated the 2008 NPA with fellow K&E alumnus Alex Acosta. Epstein emailed (Apr 2012): 'tell frank the law firm is called kirkland and ellis, jay lefkowitz is head of litigation' — showing continued K&E/Epstein relationship during Barr's tenure at the firm (2009-2018). Lefkowitz also served in Bush White House as senior adviser.
Barr recused from DOJ probe of Acosta's handling of 2008 Epstein NPA — because K&E (Barr's former firm) represented Epstein. Acosta was also K&E alumnus. But Barr did NOT recuse from current SDNY prosecution of Epstein. Acosta resigned as Labor Secretary Jul 12, 2019 over NPA controversy. Both Barr and Acosta were K&E connected; Acosta met with K&E's Lefkowitz at West Palm Beach hotel to negotiate Epstein's plea deal.
Walsh was Iran-Contra Independent Counsel (1986-1993). Barr as AG advised Bush to pardon Caspar Weinberger and 5 others in Dec 1992, effectively ending Walsh's investigation before trial could reveal Bush's own role. Walsh called it 'the last card in the cover-up.' This pattern of Barr using AG authority to end or constrain independent investigations is directly relevant to his later handling of Epstein/Mueller matters.
Donald Barr was William Barr's father. Donald Barr was headmaster of Dalton School who hired Jeffrey Epstein as math/physics teacher in 1974 despite Epstein lacking a college degree. Donald Barr's last day was June 30, 1974. He also authored 'Space Relations' (1973), a sci-fi novel about oligarchs who abduct Earth children as sex slaves. The father-son connection creates the original nexus between the Barr family and Epstein.
Barr served as Director on Sculptor Capital Management (formerly Och-Ziff) board from 2016-2018. Och founded the firm. In 2016, Och-Ziff pleaded guilty to FCPA violations related to bribery in Libya and DRC — the largest FCPA case against a hedge fund. Barr joined the board the SAME YEAR as the guilty plea, suggesting a governance/compliance role. SEC filing confirms appointment (OZM proxy EX-99.3).
Berman was SDNY USA overseeing Epstein prosecution, Goldman 1MDB, JPMorgan investigation, and Giuliani investigation. Jun 19, 2020: Barr announced Clayton would replace Berman. Berman refused to resign. Jun 20: Trump fired Berman. Finding 2970 documents SDNY News Clips (Mar 2020) showing Barr-Berman tensions: Barr tried to micromanage cases including Halkbank. Berman's firing is the most direct institutional connection between Barr and the Epstein case outcome.
Barr attempted to install SEC Chairman Clayton as SDNY USA to replace Berman (Jun 2020). Clayton was Sullivan & Cromwell partner who had represented Deutsche Bank (Epstein's banker). Wall Street on Parade: 'Barr Fires Top Prosecutor Tries to Replace Him with Banks Former Lawyer.' Clayton withdrew after Berman firing controversy. The attempt to place DB's former lawyer atop SDNY — which was investigating Epstein's DB accounts — is a significant structural connection.
Barr served as Of Counsel at K&E (2009-2018). K&E billed Epstein ,319,336.03 for JEE defense matter through 12/31/2008, plus ,000 for FTC/DB Zwirn matter through 9/30/2009. K&E partners Lefkowitz and Ken Starr negotiated Epstein's 2008 NPA. Barr joined K&E one year after K&E secured Epstein's deal. Epstein continued using K&E during Barr's tenure (Apr 2012 email re Lefkowitz). Barr partially recused: only from NPA review, NOT from current prosecution.
As AG, Barr oversaw DOJ during Epstein SDNY prosecution (Jul 2019), death at MCC (Aug 10, 2019), and aftermath. Barr stated he was 'appalled' by death, ordered FBI/OIG investigations that never produced public reports. Barr partially recused (NPA review only, not prosecution). Multiple institutional connections: K&E (Barr's firm represented Epstein), Donald Barr (father hired Epstein at Dalton), Epstein tracked Barr in iMessages ('Navigate Biden Horowitz Barr. DB NYS').
Barr mischaracterized Mueller report in Mar 24 2019 summary. Mueller objected Mar 27. Barr held pre-release press conference Apr 18. Judge Walton found lack of candor.
Barr appointed Durham May 2019 to investigate FBI Russia probe origins. Elevated to Special Counsel Dec 2020 to survive Biden transition. Two indictments both acquitted. Zero convictions after 4-year probe.
Barr DOJ overruled prosecutors 7-9 year recommendation Feb 2020 hours after Trump tweet. All 4 prosecutors withdrew. Over 1100 former DOJ officials called for Barr resignation.
Barr DOJ moved to dismiss case May 2020 despite two guilty pleas. Tasked Jeff Jensen to review. Unprecedented DOJ motion to drop charges after guilty plea. Trump pardoned Nov 2020.
Rosenstein co-signed Barr obstruction determination Mar 2019 despite Mueller not reaching conclusion. Departed May 2019. Rosenstein cooperation provided bipartisan cover for Barr Mueller handling.
Barr replaced Liu at DC USAO with personal counselor Shea Jan 2020 after Liu failed to deliver McCabe indictment. Trump withdrew Lius Treasury nomination. Liu departure enabled Stone and Flynn interventions.
Donoghue EDNY USA appointed by Barr to coordinate Ukraine investigations Feb 2020. Moved to principal associate DAG Jul 2020. Became acting DAG when Barr left Dec 2020. Later testified to Jan 6 committee about post-Barr DOJ pressure.
Barr served as Independent Director on Time Warner board (2009-2018). Earned millions in director compensation. In corporate role, clashed with DOJ over AT&T-Time Warner merger — Barr questioned DOJ's motivation in blocking the deal. Resigned from board to become AG. Time Warner owns CNN, HBO, Warner Bros. LittleSis entity confirms position.
Barr served as board member and Independent Director at Dominion Energy, chaired Compensation, Governance and Nominating Committee. Resigned Feb 12, 2019 when confirmed as AG. LittleSis confirms two position relationships. Fellow board members included Mark Kington, Robert Spilman, and others per 2016 DEF 14A SEC filing.
Barr served as EVP and General Counsel at GTE (1994-2000) and then Verizon (2000-2008) after negotiating Bell Atlantic-GTE merger. Led legal, regulatory, and government affairs. Also managed Verizon's MCI and Alltel acquisitions. This was Barr's primary private sector career between his two AG tenures. LittleSis confirms executive position.
Rosen served as DAG under Barr. Became acting AG Dec 23 2020 when Barr resigned. Rosen then faced Trump pressure on election fraud claims in final month. Testified to Jan 6 committee about attempts to weaponize DOJ.
Strauss became acting SDNY USA by operation of law after Barr fired Berman Jun 20 2020. Barr forced to accept her rather than install Jay Clayton. Strauss charged Maxwell 12 days later and continued sensitive investigations.
Shea was Barrs personal counselor at DOJ. Barr installed Shea as acting DC USA replacing Jessie Liu Jan 2020. Shea then oversaw Stone sentencing reversal and Flynn dismissal motion. Barr pipeline: counselor to USAO for politically sensitive cases.
DuCharme served as counselor to Barr Mar-Dec 2019 then installed as acting EDNY USA Jul 2020. Same pipeline as Shea: Barr counsel to USAO. DuCharme previously served as criminal chief at EDNY.
Barr chaired CIC board (2014-2017), returned as senior fellow post-AG (2021), became St. Thomas More Chair (Oct 2021). CIC is Opus Dei's Washington headquarters, 2 blocks from White House. Fellow board members included Leonard Leo (Federalist Society) and Pat Cipollone (Trump White House Counsel). LittleSis confirms board membership. CIC connects Barr to conservative Catholic judicial/political network.
Multiple conflict points: Father Donald Barr was Dalton headmaster when Epstein hired 1974. Kirkland Ellis where Barr was Of Counsel had represented Epstein. As AG, Barr had full oversight of Epstein SDNY prosecution and personally led death investigation. Fired SDNY US Attorney Berman who was leading Epstein co-conspirator investigation.
30-year friendship. Both served in Bush DOJ. Together authorized DEA bulk metadata collection 1992. Wives attended Bible study together. Mueller attended two Barr daughters weddings. Relationship fractured over Barrs handling of Mueller report 2019.
Both served on board of Catholic Information Center, Opus Dei-affiliated institution at 15th and K St NW Washington DC. Leo is Federalist Society EVP who managed conservative judicial pipeline. CIC functions as nexus for Catholic conservative legal-political network.
Both served on board of Catholic Information Center (Opus Dei-affiliated). Cipollone was assistant to AG Barr in early 1990s. Later Cipollone served as White House Counsel during Barrs second AG tenure 2019-2020, creating shared decision-making axis on executive power issues.
Barr worked at CIA while Bush was CIA Director 1976-77, helping Bush resist Church/Pike Committee oversight. Later served as OLC head, Deputy AG, and AG under Bush presidency 1989-93. Advised Bush on Iran-Contra pardons Dec 1992. Deep institutional loyalty spanning CIA to White House.
Barr fired Berman as SDNY US Attorney June 2020. Berman was actively leading Epstein co-conspirator investigation, had charged MCC guards, pressed Prince Andrew for cooperation, and was investigating Giuliani. Barr falsely announced Berman was stepping down before telling him. Standoff resolved when Trump formally fired Berman at Barrs request.
As AG, Barr had oversight of BOP including MCC where Epstein died Aug 10, 2019. Barr stated he was 'appalled' and ordered investigations. Key MCC failures under his authority: hard drives replaced same night as death, cameras corrupted, guards falsified records. Barr halted warden N'Diaye's transfer to Fort Dix. 3.5 years later, neither FBI nor OIG produced public report explaining death. Only 2 guards charged (charges later dropped). 3,385pp of MCC records in DocumentCloud.
Barr personally spearheaded attempt to negotiate settlement with Turkish state bank Halkbank to avoid SDNY indictment for facilitating B in transfers to Iran evading sanctions. Erdogan pressed Trump to quash investigation at G20 (Nov 2018) and in phone call (Dec 2018). Barr pressed Berman to grant immunity to Turkish officials — Berman refused, calling it unethical. SDNY indicted Halkbank Oct 15, 2019. This was primary trigger for Berman firing Jun 2020.
Barr served as CIA analyst and assistant legislative counsel (1973-1977). Epstein immediately noted this: 'do you know bill barr. CIA.' (Dec 6, 2018). Barr's CIA background gives him intelligence community relationships and tradecraft understanding. As AG, he launched investigation into intelligence agencies' handling of Trump-Russia probe. LittleSis confirms two CIA positions.
Barr clerked for Judge Malcolm Wilkey on the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit (1977-1978). Wilkey was a Eisenhower/Nixon appointee known for conservative views on executive power. This clerkship shaped Barr's expansive theory of presidential authority, which he later applied in Iran-Contra pardons, Mueller Report handling, and DOJ intervention in politically sensitive cases.
As AG (1991-1993), Barr oversaw DOJ during BCCI investigation. Kerry/Brown Senate Report documented DOJ obstruction of BCCI investigation before and during Barr's tenure. DOJ obstructed Congressional access and NY DA Morgenthau's investigation. Barr testified about 'coordination problems,' promised remedy, but prosecutors claim he thwarted Florida indictments. Pattern: major financial crime investigation with intelligence community implications, DOJ obstruction, and Congressional frustration — directly parallels Epstein case handling.
CIA 1976-77: Bush as Director, Barr in Legislative Counsel helped fend off Church Committee. Bush vouched for Barr to Judge Wilkey. Barr rose through DOJ under Bush 41: OLC 1989, Deputy AG 1990, AG 1991. Advised broadest Iran-Contra pardons Dec 1992.
Mueller served as AAG Criminal Division under AG Barr 1991-93. Together authorized 1992 DEA bulk telephone surveillance program. Mueller defended DOJ BCCI handling before Senate. Two decades later Barr wrote unsolicited memo attacking Mueller obstruction theory, then became AG overseeing Mueller investigation.
Barr clerked for Wilkey on DC Circuit 1977-78. Wilkey was Nixon appointee, former US Attorney SDTX. Bush Sr personally called Wilkey to vouch for Barr. Wilkey later became US Ambassador to Uruguay under Reagan/Bush. Clerkship placed Barr in conservative legal elite pipeline.
Walsh was Iran-Contra Independent Counsel. Barr as AG advised Bush to pardon all 6 Iran-Contra defendants Dec 24 1992, killing Walsh investigation 2 weeks before Weinberger trial. Barr later disparaged Walsh as headhunter who had completely lost perspective. Walsh called pardons proof powerful people commit serious crimes without consequences.
Barr sent unsolicited 19-page memo to DAG Rosenstein June 2018 arguing Mueller obstruction theory was fatally misconceived. Rosenstein was overseeing Mueller probe. Barr nominated as AG Dec 2018 and replaced Rosenstein as Mueller overseer.
Barr as AG advised Bush to pardon Weinberger (former SecDef) on Dec 24 1992 for Iran-Contra charges. Pardoned 2 weeks before Weinberger trial which could have exposed Bush Sr role. Barr advocated broadest possible pardon scope.
Barr specifically recommended Abrams for Iran-Contra pardon Dec 1992. In Miller Center interview said Abrams had been very unjustly treated. Abrams later served as Trump Special Envoy for Venezuela and Iran, further connecting Barr-era executive power networks.
Barr was KE partner before and between AG tenures. PEP confirmed in OpenSanctions.
KE of counsel 2009, consultant 2011 on BP case, of counsel 2017-2018. Then AG 2019-2020. Recused from retrospective Epstein NPA review because of KE connection but not from SDNY prosecution.
Of Counsel 2009+, Consultant 2011, Of Counsel 2017-2020. Recused from Epstein case due to K&E employment.
85th Attorney General 2019-2020, also 77th AG 1991-1993. K&E Of Counsel before/after both stints.
Both K&E alumni who served simultaneously at DOJ leadership — Barr as AG, Rosen as DAG. Both faced recusal demands from Sen. Harris over Epstein case due to K&E connection. Both declined to recuse from SDNY prosecution.
Both KE Of Counsel/partners. Barr as AG oversaw DOJ while Filip defended Goldman Boeing at KE. Claire Murray quote: an agency can never be led by too many lawyers from Kirkland and Ellis
Both K&E alumni serving simultaneously at DOJ (2018-2020). Both received ethics waivers in April 2019 for Goldman Sachs 1MDB case. Barr was Of Counsel at K&E receiving .2M+ compensation. Barr as AG oversaw Criminal Division head Benczkowski.
Weingarten was Epstein's primary criminal defense attorney at Steptoe & Johnson. Weingarten discussed Barr in context of Epstein strategy. Farkas told Epstein (Apr 2019): 'Told you Barr would protect Trump known him for 50 years.' Weingarten confirmed SDNY investigation intelligence (Jan 2019) while Barr was being confirmed as AG. Weingarten's role as defense counsel meant direct institutional interaction with Barr's DOJ.
Maxwell arrested Jul 2, 2020 — two weeks after Barr attempted to fire SDNY USA Berman and replace him with Jay Clayton. Timeline: Jun 19 Barr announces Clayton, Jun 20 Berman fired, Jul 2 Maxwell arrested under Acting USA Strauss. Barr's DOJ oversaw Maxwell prosecution. Barr stated after Epstein death (Aug 2019): 'Any co-conspirators should not rest easy' — Maxwell was the only co-conspirator ever charged.
Both served as Republican legal establishment figures. Starr discussed Barr's AG nomination with Epstein (Dec 7, 2018): 'Just did a segment on CNN New Day re Mueller/Bill Barr.' Starr suggested Ed Meese as alternative. Epstein proposed Starr write op-ed. Starr was simultaneously Epstein's legal adviser and public commentator on Barr/Mueller — dual role serving Epstein's interests.
Farkas emailed Epstein day of Barr nomination (Dec 7, 2018): 'Bill Barr for AG announced today.' Later (Apr 18, 2019): 'Told you Barr would protect Trump known him for 50 years.' The '50 years' claim suggests Farkas may have personally known Barr since ~1969 — potentially through NYC social circles. Farkas served as intermediary tracking Barr intelligence for Epstein.
Epstein asked Bannon 'do you know bill barr. CIA.' on Dec 6, 2018 — same day as AG nomination. Email subject: 'Re: Alex Acosta update | Power Line'. Epstein was probing Bannon's access to incoming AG, specifically noting Barr's CIA background. Bannon was Epstein's most frequent correspondent (526 emails). Barr and Bannon both served in Trump orbit.
LittleSis confirms professional relationship. Prince (Blackwater/Academi founder) is connected to Trump orbit and private military/intelligence operations. Both served in Republican national security establishment. Prince's sister Betsy DeVos was Trump Education Secretary. Prince met with Russian investors in Seychelles (Jan 2017) — investigated by Mueller's team which Barr later oversaw.
Barr's DOJ oversaw SDNY prosecution of Parnas/Fruman for funneling foreign money to political committees. Barr created Ukraine coordination framework (Feb 2020) appointing Donoghue to coordinate Ukraine-related investigations, perceived as asserting control over SDNY Parnas/Fruman/Giuliani cases. LittleSis records generic relationship. Berman asserted SDNY independence in response.
Epstein iMessage (May 27, 2019): 'Navigate Biden Horowitz Barr. DB NYS /' — DB likely refers to Deutsche Bank, Epstein's primary banker. Barr as AG oversaw DOJ during period when Deutsche Bank was under investigation for Epstein accounts, money laundering, and sanctions violations. SDNY investigated DB's Epstein relationship. Barr attempted to replace SDNY USA Berman with Jay Clayton, who had represented Deutsche Bank at Sullivan & Cromwell.
LittleSis records relationship. Kimmitt served as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs under George H.W. Bush (same administration as Barr). Later Deputy Secretary of Treasury under George W. Bush. Kimmitt was also Ambassador to Germany (1991-1993) during Barr's AG tenure. Deutsche Bank connection: Kimmitt served as managing director at Lehman Brothers and WilmerHale. Both in Republican foreign policy establishment.
LittleSis records transaction relationship (2018). Barr did business with Cerberus Capital in 2018 before AG nomination. Cerberus is chaired by former VP Dan Quayle (Bush administration colleague of Barr) and founded by Steve Feinberg (later Trump intelligence advisory board chair, now Deputy SecDef). Cerberus owns DynCorp (military contractor). This connects Barr to private equity/defense contractor nexus with intelligence community ties.
Both served in George H.W. Bush administration (Barr as AG, Quayle as VP, 1989-1993). Later connected through Cerberus Capital Management where Quayle served as chairman of global investments. Quayle appears in Epstein network via Hudson Institute board overlap (Finding:1903). Republican establishment links maintained post-administration.
LittleSis records membership relationship. Barr is a member of the Federalist Society, which coordinates conservative judicial appointments. Leonard Leo (Federalist Society EVP) co-served with Barr on Catholic Information Center board. Federalist Society network includes multiple figures in Epstein orbit: Ken Starr, Jay Lefkowitz, Alex Acosta. Society vetted all Trump judicial nominees during Barr's AG tenure.
LittleSis confirms professional relationship. Eugene Scalia (son of Justice Antonin Scalia) served as Trump's Labor Secretary (2019-2021), overlapping with Barr's AG tenure. Both in same administration and shared conservative Catholic legal establishment ties. Eugene Scalia was Gibson Dunn partner; Barr K&E. Antonin Scalia was Barr's intellectual ally on executive power theory.
Barr's SDNY was investigating Giuliani's Ukraine dealings, Parnas/Fruman foreign campaign contributions, and other matters. Barr created Ukraine coordination framework to assert DOJ control over Ukraine-related investigations (Feb 2020). Giuliani was Trump's personal attorney during Barr's AG tenure. Both former SDNY-affiliated prosecutors (Giuliani was SDNY USA 1983-1989). Berman's firing may have been partly motivated by SDNY's Giuliani investigation.
Both served on Catholic Information Center board (Opus Dei's DC headquarters) and in Trump White House simultaneously — Cipollone as White House Counsel, Barr as AG. Also served alongside Leonard Leo (Federalist Society) on CIC board. Cipollone later testified to Jan 6 Committee. CIC board creates informal coordination channel between DOJ and White House.
Both served on Catholic Information Center board. Leo is EVP of Federalist Society and orchestrated appointment of Roberts, Alito, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Barrett to Supreme Court. Barr is Federalist Society member. Leo, Barr, and Cipollone formed a triad at CIC connecting judicial selection, DOJ, and White House counsel. Leo controls .6B in dark money through Marble Freedom Trust.
Barrs DOJ released OPR review of Acostas handling of 2008 Epstein NPA in Nov 2020. Found poor judgment not misconduct. Barr had recused from retrospective review of 2008 plea due to Kirkland Ellis conflict. Both served in Trump administration simultaneously - Acosta as Labor Secretary until Jul 2019 resignation over Epstein case publicity.
Sen. Sasse questioned AG nominee Barr about Epstein case during Jan 2019 confirmation hearing. SDNY circulated C-SPAN video internally (Jan 16, 2019). Barr pledged to look into handling of Epstein case if confirmed. Starr discussed this exchange with Epstein. Sasse's questioning created public record of Barr's Epstein commitments. Starr later suggested Epstein pursue 'Letter to Sasse?' strategy (Feb 2019).
Epstein's May 27, 2019 iMessage listed both together: 'Navigate Biden Horowitz Barr. DB NYS /' — Horowitz was DOJ Inspector General investigating FBI's handling of FISA warrants. Barr ordered Durham investigation partly in response to Horowitz IG report. Both Horowitz and Barr were figures Epstein felt he needed to 'navigate' 5 weeks before arrest.
Aligned on executive power philosophy during Bush 41 admin. Both opposed congressional oversight of covert operations. Cheney (SecDef) recommended Bush veto Senate intelligence bill in Aug 1989, paralleling Barr OLC opinions defending presidential discretion on covert action notification. Shared unitary executive ideology.
Barr was KE of counsel 2017-2019 before serving as AG
Both in overlapping Republican media/political circles. LittleSis shows Barr's donations to Republican causes aligned with Murdoch interests. Barr published memoir 'One Damn Thing After Another' through HarperCollins (Murdoch-owned). Fox News gave Barr favorable coverage throughout AG tenure. Barr was not on Fox Corp board (that was William Burck, a different person). Connection is social/political rather than corporate.
Evan Barr (no relation to William) was a former SDNY AUSA (1993-2001) who represented Epstein at Steptoe & Johnson. Weingarten referenced 'the unspeakably awful evan barr debacle' (HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_028601). Ruemmler told Epstein (Jan 2015): 'Ask him about Evan Barr.' As former SDNY prosecutor, Evan Barr would have had back-channel access to SDNY intelligence. The name coincidence with the sitting AG adds investigative complexity.
Berman's SDNY was investigating JPMorgan during Barr's AG tenure. JPMorgan was Epstein's primary bank for decades (closed accounts 2013). USVI v. JPMorgan later revealed extensive financial evidence. Barr's attempt to replace Berman with Sullivan & Cromwell's Jay Clayton would have placed a bank-friendly prosecutor over JPMorgan and Deutsche Bank investigations simultaneously.
Berman's SDNY was pursuing Goldman Sachs criminal probe over 1MDB Malaysia scandal during Barr's tenure. Goldman ultimately paid .9B settlement. This was one of major cases Berman was overseeing when Barr fired him. Barr's DOJ negotiated the Goldman settlement. Wall Street on Parade framed Berman firing as protecting Goldman and JPMorgan from aggressive prosecution.
Barrack chaired Trump inaugural committee (M). Barr's DOJ oversaw period when SDNY and DC investigated inaugural committee foreign donors. Parallel cases: Parnas/Fruman foreign money, Zuberi FARA violations. Barrack later charged (Jul 2021, post-Barr) with acting as unregistered UAE agent. Barrack is part of Gulf state operations thread (Thread 6) intersecting with Barr's DOJ authority.
Dershowitz was on Epstein's defense team alongside K&E's Lefkowitz and Starr for the 2008 NPA. Barr joined K&E the year after the NPA was secured (2009). Dershowitz later provided Trump's impeachment defense while Barr served as AG. Both were in Republican legal defense ecosystem. Dershowitz also made FEC donations to similar Republican candidates.
Ruemmler was Epstein's legal advisor and top correspondent (201 emails). She told Epstein (Jan 2015): 'Ask him about Evan Barr' when 'your boy coming to breakfast.' Epstein asked about K&E defending NPA and Ruemmler was involved in legal strategy. Both Barr and Ruemmler operated in DC legal establishment — Ruemmler as Obama White House Counsel, Barr as Bush AG. Ruemmler later joined Goldman Sachs. Connection is indirect but through shared Epstein legal ecosystem.
Barr attempted to install Sullivan & Cromwell partner Jay Clayton as SDNY USA. Clayton had represented Deutsche Bank at S&C. Sullivan & Cromwell has deep ties to Wall Street institutions under SDNY investigation. The attempted placement creates an institutional connection between Barr and S&C's client protection interests in the Epstein/DB/JPMorgan investigation nexus.
All Findings
86 total
All Findings
86 totalfinancial (7)
GTE/Verizon career (1994-2008): Barr became EVP and General Counsel of GTE Corp 1994. Directed successful litigation campaign scuttling FCC deregulation rules, personally argued cases in federal appeals courts and Supreme Court. Survived GTE-Bell Atlantic merger (2000) as EVP/GC of Verizon. Headed Legal, Regulatory and Government Affairs group. Salary reportedly 1.5M by 2001. Departed 2008 with golden parachute worth at least 20M. 14 years as telecom insider uniquely positioned him on surveillance issues.
Kirkland & Ellis billed Epstein ,319,336.03 through 12/31/2008 for JEE matter (Epstein defense). Additionally billed ,000 for FTC/DB Zwirn matter through 9/30/2009. All paid. Rich Kahn forwarded bills to Epstein. Outstanding balance of ,345.47 discussed in Sep 2010 for payment from FTC. Barr joined K&E in 2009 while firm still had active Epstein billing relationship.
Corporate board compensation 2009-2018 totaled over 5.1M dollars: Dominion Energy board 2009-2019 (2.01M through 2017), Time Warner board 2009-2018 (received 1.7M cash plus AT&T stock/options after merger), Och-Ziff/Sculptor Capital board 2016-2018 (resigned over CEO succession dispute). Also K&E Of Counsel 2009-2017 advising on enforcement and regulatory matters. As Verizon EVP/GC 2000-2008, led legal/regulatory/government affairs. Pattern: telecom and media companies where surveillance/DOJ intersection is significant.
Epstein-Och-Ziff nexus: EFTA02504674 shows Apr 16 2015 BlackBerry email from Jeffrey E (Epstein) to Andrew L Farkas referencing Och/ziff 100mm and York 100mm in context of deal discussions. Barr joined Och-Ziff board Aug 2016, 16 months after this email. Och-Ziff also appears in Epstein contact lists alongside Clinton Foundation, JPMorgan Private Bank, SAC Capital Advisors, Goldman Sachs (EFTA02686105/169/246). Pattern: Barr joined board of firm that appears in Epstein financial orbit.
POLITICAL DONATIONS (LittleSis/FEC): Major Republican donor. Key donations: NRCC ,800; NRSC ,239; Right to Rise USA (Jeb Bush Super PAC) ,290; Romney Victory ,500; RNC ,000; American Crossroads ,000; George Allen ,700; Bob Goodlatte ,500; Roy Blunt ,200. Also donated to: Donald Trump (,700 in 2016), Marco Rubio, Mitt Romney, John McCain, Jeb Bush (,400), Kristi Noem, Arlen Specter. Exclusively Republican except John Dingell (,000). Total mapped donations exceed ,000.
Och-Ziff/Sculptor Capital board 2016-2018: Joined Aug 2016 AFTER the 413M FCPA settlement for Africa bribery. Earned 28,750 in 2018 fiscal year. Resigned in early 2018 over disagreement about CEO succession and governance plans per SEC filing - specifically the elevation of Jimmy Levin as CEO. Och-Ziff later renamed to Sculptor Capital Management. Barrs appointment and departure bracket a period when the hedge fund was under deferred prosecution agreement requiring independent monitor.
Between tenures (2008-2018): Barr accumulated board seats and advisory roles. Time Warner board 2009-2018 (paid 1.98M cash/stock). Dominion Energy board 2009-2018 (paid 2.01M cash/stock, chaired Compensation/Governance/Nominating Committee). Och-Ziff/Sculptor Capital board Aug 2016-2018 (chaired Committee on Corporate Responsibility and Compliance - appointed same year as 412M FCPA settlement, resigned over CEO succession dispute). Kirkland Ellis of counsel 2009 and 2017. Total known board compensation exceeded 4M.
communication (8)
Epstein asked Bannon 'do you know bill barr. CIA.' on Dec 6 2018 — same day Barr AG nomination announced. Email subject: 'Re: Alex Acosta update | Power Line'. Shows Epstein immediately grasped Barr's CIA background as relevant to his legal situation and was probing Bannon's access to the incoming AG.
Jonathan Farkas emailed Epstein on Dec 7, 2018: 'Bill Barr for AG announced today.' From jeevacation inbox. Shows Epstein's inner circle was tracking Barr nomination in real-time. Farkas is a known Epstein contact who later predicted Barr's protective role.
Ken Starr emailed Epstein on Dec 7, 2018 at 1:27 PM: 'Just did a segment on CNN New Day re Mueller/Bill Barr. They closed (no prior notice) with a question re Ben Sasse's quote. I did ok in response.' Thread reveals Starr and Epstein discussing AG nomination strategy — Starr suggested Ed Meese as 'outsider' possibility. Epstein proposed op-ed from Starr.
Epstein iMessage (from HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_027560, Dec 7, 2018 at 7:04 AM): 'Cnn reporting Bill Barr' — sent from [email protected]. This is among earliest reactions to Barr nomination in Epstein's communications, sent morning of announcement.
Epstein iMessage (HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_027562, Dec 7, 2018 at 1:54 PM): 'Barr a disaster for t[rump]'. Sent same day as nomination announcement. Shows Epstein's immediate negative assessment of Barr nomination — likely concerned Barr would NOT be helpful to his legal situation, contradicting Farkas who later said Barr would protect Trump.
Farkas emailed Epstein on Apr 18, 2019 at 1:39 PM (Importance: High): 'Told you Barr would protect Trump known him for 50 years.' This implies prior conversation where Farkas predicted Barr's protective role before confirmation. The '50 years' claim (if about Farkas knowing Barr) suggests personal relationship dating to ~1969.
Epstein iMessage (HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_027753, May 27, 2019 at 4:00 AM): 'Navigate Biden Horowitz Barr. DB NYS /' — followed by reply 'Yes agr 100%'. This cryptic message shows Epstein strategizing about navigating AG Barr, IG Michael Horowitz, Biden, Deutsche Bank (DB), and New York State (NYS) — five weeks before his Jul 6 arrest. Suggests awareness of investigation closing in.
Epstein iMessage (HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_027719): 'On the other hand inspector general report plus will make for summer fun intel chiefs in barrs sights'. Shows Epstein tracking AG Barr's actions regarding intelligence community oversight — specifically Barr's investigation of intelligence chiefs and the IG report on FISA/FBI. Epstein appeared to view these investigations as personally relevant or beneficial.
relationship (2)
Donald Barr (William Barr father) was headmaster of Dalton School NYC until June 1974. Jeffrey Epstein began teaching math/physics at Dalton Sep 1974, 3 months after Donald Barr departed. Unclear if Donald Barr directly hired Epstein but he set curriculum/hiring standards. Donald Barr also published Space Relations (1973), a sci-fi novel about oligarchs running a planet with child sex slavery. Donald Barr was also former OSS member and Columbia University administrator. William Barr was at CIA during same period (1973-1977).
Barr-Mueller personal relationship: Friends for 30 years. Wives attended Bible study together. Mueller attended two of Barrs daughters weddings. Barr told Trump the Barrs and Muellers were good friends. Together in 1992 they authorized DEA bulk metadata collection. Their relationship fractured over Barrs handling of the Mueller report, when Mueller wrote letter complaining Barr did not fully capture the context nature and substance of his investigation.
legal (55)
After clerkship, Barr joined Shaw Pittman Potts & Trowbridge (now Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman) in DC 1978-1982, then left for Reagan White House as Deputy Assistant Director for Legal Policy on domestic policy staff (May 1982-Sep 1983). Returned to Shaw Pittman 1983-1989, made partner 1985. This gave him executive branch experience before his DOJ appointments under Bush 41.
BCCI-CIA nexus: Kerry/Brown report found CIA possessed detailed info about BCCI secret ownership of First American since 1985, disseminated to Treasury/OCC but NOT to DOJ prosecutors until after Operation C-Chase takedown. Mueller (AAG Criminal) told Senate DOJ was not on CIA dissemination list until 1990 for 1986 report, but 1989 report WAS provided to DEA and FBI. Pattern: intelligence agencies had critical info but withheld from law enforcement.
As OLC head (1989), Barr argued president has virtually unfettered discretion in determining when to notify Congress of covert operations. Wrote 10-page analysis combating ways Congress intrudes into executive branch functions. Opposed 48-hour notification requirement pushed by Sen William Cohen. Argued Congress power of purse was by no means limitless. Position aligned with Dick Cheney who recommended Bush veto Senate intelligence bill.
As OLC head (1989), Barr misled Congress about contents of legal memo. He provided a summary of OLC opinion on FBI overseas arrest authority to Congress that omitted the most aggressive elements, including the assertion that president could authorize actions contravening the UN Charter. The full opinion was classified; the omitted portions reversed a prior OLC opinion that had been publicly released 4 years earlier.
Unitary executive theory: Barr has been its most persistent advocate across 35 years. As OLC head (1989), authored Common Legislative Encroachments on Executive Branch Authority memo (13 Op. OLC 248, Jul 27 1989) listing legislative provisions offensive to executive power. Called for aggressively resisting congressional incursions. Argued presidents removal power, legislative vetoes, and congressional demands for sensitive information are unconstitutional encroachments. Position: presidential power over executive branch can only be limited by voters at next election or by impeachment.
As OLC head (1989-1990), Barr wrote at least 5 legal opinions on Panama/Noriega (2+ still classified), asserting president has 'inherent constitutional authority' to deploy FBI abroad violating international law, support foreign coups, and conduct extraterritorial arrests without host country consent. Reversed prior OLC opinion. Dubbed 'the president's snatch authority.' Provided legal basis for Dec 20, 1989 Panama invasion (27,000 troops).
Barr served as Deputy AG (Jul 1990-Nov 1991) under AG Dick Thornburgh, then Acting AG when Thornburgh resigned to run for Senate (Aug 1991). Confirmed as 77th AG in late Oct 1991 at age 41, youngest since Ramsey Clark (1967). This rapid ascent from OLC head to AG in 2 years gave him control over DOJ during critical BCCI investigation and Iran-Contra endgame.
BCCI AFFAIR (1992): Kerry/Brown Senate Report documents DOJ obstruction of BCCI investigation prior to Barr's arrival. Report states DOJ 'actively obstructed and impeded Congressional attempts to investigate BCCI in 1990, and this practice continued to some extent until William P. Barr became Attorney General in late October, 1991.' Also: DOJ obstructed NY DA Morgenthau's access to BCCI information. Report implies Barr improved cooperation but questions remain about completeness of DOJ response even after his tenure began.
In 1992, Barr authored DOJ report The Case for More Incarceration arguing for increased incarceration rates, more prisons, and abolition of parole. Wrote: there is no better way to reduce crime than to identify target and incapacitate those hardened criminals who commit staggering numbers of violent crimes whenever they are on the streets. Report influenced 1994 Violent Crime Control Act. NAACP later said his DOJ tenure was marked by extraordinarily aggressive policies that harmed people of color.
Kerry/Brown Senate BCCI report (1992) found DOJ obstruction of BCCI investigation continued to some extent until Barr became AG Oct 1991. DOJ under Barr ultimately cooperated: Jul 29 1992 coordinated action with Morgenthau and Fed against BCCI top officials including Clifford/Altman. Report credits Barr with improved cooperation but notes DOJ still delayed Customs Service memo release until Kerry threatened to hold up Barr confirmation vote. Also notes Robert Mueller (AAG Criminal Division) defended DOJ handling in Nov 1991 testimony.
Ruby Ridge (Aug 1992): Barr was AG when FBI HRT used modified Rules of Engagement allowing snipers to shoot all armed adult males outside cabin. FBI sniper Lon Horiuchi killed Vicki Weaver through cabin door while she held baby. Barr told NYT he was not directly involved, but WashPost revealed top Bush DOJ officials had at least 20 phone contacts about Ruby Ridge in 24 hours before shooting, including 2 calls involving Barr. After leaving office, Barr spent 2 weeks organizing former AGs to support Horiuchi against criminal charges.
On Dec 24 1992, Bush pardoned 6 Iran-Contra figures on Barr advice: Caspar Weinberger, Elliott Abrams, Duane Clarridge, Alan Fiers, Clair George, Robert McFarlane. Barr recalled in 2001 Miller Center interview: I favored the broadest pardon authority. There were some people just arguing just for Weinberger. I said No - in for a penny, in for a pound. Pardons killed Walsh investigation 2 weeks before Weinberger trial would have exposed Bush Sr role. Walsh called it proof powerful people can commit serious crimes without consequences.
Iran-Contra pardons: As AG in Dec 1992, Barr advised President Bush to pardon not just Caspar Weinberger but five additional officials. Weinberger was set to stand trial Jan 5 1993 on felony charges; Independent Counsel Walsh had found documents showing conspiracy among highest-ranking Reagan officials to lie to Congress. Walsh stated the pardons completed a six-year cover-up. Barr later said he thought they were treated unfairly and did not oppose any of the pardons.
KIRKLAND & ELLIS CONFLICT: K&E billed Epstein $1,319,336.03 through 12/31/2008 for JEE defense matter, plus $6,000 for FTC/DB Zwirn matter through 9/30/2009. Barr joined K&E in 2009, one year after K&E secured Epstein's NPA. Epstein continued using K&E: in Apr 2012 email, Epstein directed someone to contact K&E's Jay Lefkowitz (former Bush White House adviser). When asked about recusal from Epstein prosecution as AG in Jul 2019, Barr said he would recuse from DOJ probe of Acosta NPA only — NOT from current SDNY prosecution. His stated rationale: K&E represented Epstein 'long ago' before he joined. This partial recusal left Barr with authority over the active prosecution of his firm's former client.
Epstein email to Ruemmler asked: 'why isnt kirkland and ellis defending this npa in front of marra, it is their agreement that i followed.? pled, registered and paid money. do they have an obligation to defend it.?' K&E had drafted the 2008 NPA; Epstein believed they should defend it when challenged. This is relevant to Barr because he joined K&E in 2009 — one year after K&E secured Epstein's NPA. Epstein was a K&E client when Barr was at the firm.
Time Warner board and AT&T merger conflict: Served on Time Warner board 2009-2018. When DOJ antitrust division under AG Sessions tried to block AT&T-Time Warner merger, Barr as Time Warner board member joined officials meeting with DOJ antitrust head Makan Delrahim. Filed affidavit calling DOJ opposition inexplicable. Received over 1.7M in cash plus hundreds of thousands in AT&T stock/options from the merger. Then became AG in office that had tried to block the deal - creating appearance of conflict on telecom-media antitrust matters.
Epstein emailed on Apr 3, 2012: 'tell frank the law firm is called kirkland and ellis, jay lefkowitz is head of litigation.' Jay Lefkowitz was a K&E partner who had served in the George W. Bush White House (senior adviser). Epstein was directing someone to contact K&E specifically via Lefkowitz — showing continued K&E relationship well after NPA period and during Barr's tenure at the firm.
In Mar 2017 Barr (at Kirkland Ellis) was hired by Caterpillar after federal law enforcement executed search warrants at 3 Caterpillar facilities on Mar 2 2017 related to offshore profit handling and tax sheltering. New CEO Umpleby tasked Barr with reviewing matters and addressing investigation. Barr financial disclosure showed Caterpillar was his only K&E client, earning 1.2M from firm. This plus Epstein conflicts at K&E were the entirety of his Kirkland work.
In June 2018, Barr (private citizen) sent unsolicited 19-page memo to DAG Rod Rosenstein and AAG Steven Engel (OLC head) arguing Mueller obstruction theory was fatally misconceived. Argued president firing Comey and asking him to let go of Flynn investigation were within executive powers. Memo served as effective job application: Trump nominated Barr as AG Dec 2018, 6 months later. Pattern: Barr volunteered legal cover for executive power, then was rewarded with the position to implement it.
June 8 2018 unsolicited memo: While in private practice at K&E, Barr sent 19-page memo to Deputy AG Rosenstein and OLC head Engel arguing Muellers obstruction inquiry was fatally misconceived. Also sent copy to Emmet Flood, White House lawyer handling Mueller probe. Later discussed memo during Nov 2018 meeting with Trump and Flood about issues that could arise during confirmation process. Memo functioned as de facto job application for AG position - nominated weeks later Dec 2018.
Show 35 more legal findings
Barr pre-AG memo on obstruction (Jun 8 2018): Before nomination Barr sent unsolicited 19-page memo to DAG Rod Rosenstein and OLC head Steve Engel arguing Muellers obstruction theory was fatally misconceived. Claimed presidential power to remove executive officials is illimitable and prosecutorial discretion is absolute and non-reviewable even for investigations into presidents own conduct. This memo essentially previewed how Barr would handle Mueller report before he was even nominated. Critics argued memo was effectively a job application demonstrating willingness to protect Trump.
SDNY internal email (Jan 16, 2019) circulated to SDNY prosecutors: Subject 'Barr on Epstein'. Links C-SPAN video of AG nominee Barr confirmation hearing where Sen. Ben Sasse questioned Barr about Epstein case. 'Exchange with Sen. Sasse begins around 5:13:00.' Barr pledged to look into handling of Epstein case if confirmed. SDNY was tracking Barr's Epstein-related testimony in real-time.
Michael Cohen campaign finance intervention: After becoming AG in Feb 2019 Barr summoned deputy overseeing Cohen case and challenged basis of Cohens guilty plea on campaign finance charges. Barr suggested Cohens conviction should be reversed argued such cases better suited to civil FEC resolution not criminal prosecution and directed cessation of investigative work on campaign finance allegations against others in Trumps orbit. A DOJ official had previously tried to remove all references to Trump (Individual-1) from charging documents. Bermans deputy pushed back and persuaded Barr to let conviction stand.
Barr four-page letter to Congress (Mar 24 2019) mischaracterized Mueller report principal conclusions. Mueller wrote to Barr on Mar 27 objecting summary did not fully capture context nature and substance of investigation. Barr failed to indicate Mueller identified multiple Trump campaign contacts with Russian-tied individuals and excluded Mueller decision not to make traditional prosecutorial judgment on obstruction. Three weeks later Barr held pre-release press conference (Apr 18) using no collusion framing hours before public could read the report.
Barr appointed John Durham (US Attorney Connecticut) in May 2019 to investigate origins of FBI Russia investigation (Crossfire Hurricane). In Dec 2020 before leaving office Barr elevated Durham to Special Counsel status ensuring investigation survived Biden transition. After 4 years Durham produced two indictments: Michael Sussmann (acquitted) and Igor Danchenko (acquitted). Durham final report (May 2023) criticized FBI opening full investigation on raw uncorroborated intelligence but produced zero convictions. Investigation served as counter-narrative to Mueller and as political instrument.
Rod Rosenstein departure and Mueller report collaboration: Rosenstein who had overseen Mueller investigation as DAG planned departure for mid-March 2019 but stayed for Mueller report completion. Rosenstein co-signed Barrs determination that Mueller evidence was insufficient to support obstruction allegation despite Mueller explicitly not reaching that conclusion. Rosenstein formally resigned effective May 11 2019. His participation in the obstruction determination gave Barrs conclusion bipartisan cover since Rosenstein was initially seen as protecting Mueller investigation.
Barr Epstein recusal strategy: On Jul 8 2019 Barr publicly stated he was recusing from Epstein case due to Kirkland Ellis representation of Epstein in 2008. Next day DOJ clarified Barr was only recusing from retrospective review of Florida NPA not from current SDNY prosecution. Career ethics officials at DOJ confirmed non-recusal for SDNY case. This split recusal was widely criticized by legal experts as unusual since the K and E conflict applied to the same underlying facts. Effect was Barr maintained oversight of active prosecution while distancing from scrutiny of Acosta deal.
SDNY circulated CNBC article (Jul 9, 2019): AG Barr will NOT recuse from Epstein SDNY prosecution but WILL recuse from DOJ probe of Acosta NPA. Barr joined Kirkland & Ellis in 2009; K&E represented Epstein in 2008 FL investigation. Barr initially said 'I'm recused from that matter because one of the law firms that represented Epstein long ago was a firm I subsequently joined.' DOJ clarified recusal was only from 'retrospective review' of SDFL NPA, not current prosecution.
Barr post-death statement (Aug 10, 2019) included 'Any co-conspirators should not rest easy' — circulated in SDNY via NY Magazine article about Jeffrey's brother Mark Epstein and 301 E 66th St connections. Despite this statement, no co-conspirators were ever charged before Ghislaine Maxwell (arrested Jul 2, 2020 — after Barr fired Berman Jun 20, 2020). Barr also halted MCC warden N'Diaye's transfer to Fort Dix pending investigation.
MCC DEATH RESPONSE: After Epstein death Aug 10, 2019, AG Barr stated: 'I was appalled... Mr. Epstein's death raises serious questions that must be answered.' Ordered FBI and OIG investigations. Halted MCC warden Shirley N'Diaye's transfer to Fort Dix pending investigation. 3.5 years later (per Tucker Carlson Jan 2023): neither FBI nor OIG ever issued a report explaining how Epstein died. Only 2 low-level guards charged (charges dropped by Obama-appointed judge). N'Diaye moved to desk job. Hard drives replaced same night as death. Cameras corrupted. Barr's promised investigations produced no public accountability for the institutional failures under his authority as AG.
Bureau of Prisons leadership overhaul after Epstein death: Barr removed acting BOP director Hugh Hurwitz (Aug 19 2019) replacing him with Kathleen Hawk Sawyer who had led BOP 1992-2003. MCC Warden Lamine NDiaye reassigned to desk job at Northeast Regional Office. Two MCC guards (Tova Noel and Michael Thomas) placed on administrative leave then charged with falsifying records. MCC Captain Jermaine Darden later transferred to Fort Dix as emergency preparedness officer (effectively a promotion). Barr blocked NDiaye transfer to Fort Dix leadership. Feb 2020 Barr appointed Michael Carvajal as permanent BOP director.
Halkbank prosecution intervention: Barr personally spearheaded attempt to negotiate settlement with Turkish state bank Halkbank to avoid SDNY indictment on charges of facilitating 20 billion dollars in transfers to Iran evading US sanctions. Erdogan personally pressed Trump to quash investigation on at least two occasions (Nov 2018 G20 and Dec 2018 phone call). Barr pressed Berman to allow settlement and drop charges against Turkish officials tied to Erdogans party. Berman refused calling immunity grant unethical. SDNY indicted Halkbank Oct 15 2019 on 6 counts. This was primary trigger for Berman firing in Jun 2020.
Federalist Society speech (Nov 15 2019) articulating unitary executive theory: Barr delivered keynote at Mayflower Hotel declaring the president controls the entire executive branch and that the real miracle of the American founding was creation of a strong executive. Attacked resistance for systematic shredding of norms. Argued presidential power can only be limited by voters at election or Congress through impeachment. Conservative legal group Checks and Balances denounced speech saying Barr rewrote history. Legal scholars called views authoritarian and dangerous departure from constitutional norms.
DOJ personnel installation pattern: Barr systematically placed allies in key US Attorney offices. (1) Timothy Shea his personal counselor replaced Jessie Liu at DC USAO Jan 2020 then oversaw Stone and Flynn reversals. (2) Seth DuCharme his counselor Mar-Dec 2019 installed as acting EDNY US Attorney Jul 2020. (3) Jay Clayton SEC chair with no prosecution experience nominated to replace Berman at SDNY Jun 2020. (4) Richard Donoghue moved from EDNY to be principal associate DAG Jul 2020. Pattern: Barr counsel goes to USAO that handles politically sensitive cases.
Jessie Liu removal and replacement pattern (Jan-Feb 2020): Jessie Liu US Attorney for DC who oversaw Roger Stone prosecution and Andrew McCabe grand jury. Liu determined insufficient evidence to indict McCabe after grand jury declined to charge. Barr relationship with Liu grew strained after failure to deliver McCabe indictment. Liu resigned Jan 29 2020 for Treasury nomination. Trump withdrew her Treasury nomination the day before confirmation hearing. Barr replaced Liu with his personal counselor Timothy Shea who then oversaw Stone sentencing reversal and Flynn dismissal from DC USAO.
Roger Stone sentencing intervention (Feb 11 2020): DOJ career prosecutors recommended 7-9 years for Stone conviction on 7 counts including lying to Congress and witness tampering. Hours after Trump tweeted criticizing the recommendation as miscarriage of justice Barr DOJ overruled prosecutors and filed revised memo seeking lighter sentence. All 4 prosecutors (Zelinsky Kravis Jed Marando) withdrew from case. Zelinsky and Kravis also resigned from DC US Attorney office. Stone ultimately sentenced to 40 months. Trump commuted sentence Jul 2020 and later pardoned Stone.
Judge Reggie Walton (GWB appointee) issued blistering FOIA ruling (Mar 5 2020) finding Barr showed lack of candor and distorted Mueller report findings. Walton found Barr created one-sided narrative substantively at odds with redacted report. Court ordered DOJ submit unredacted Mueller report for in camera review because Barr credibility was too compromised to trust DOJ redactions. Walton: Barr inconsistencies cause Court to seriously question whether AG made calculated attempt to influence public discourse in favor of President Trump.
SDNY News Clips (Mar 9, 2020) included multiple articles about Barr: (1) Barr-Berman tension — Barr attempted to micromanage cases, Berman pushed back, notably on Halkbank (Turkish bank) where Barr sought settlement to avoid indictment; (2) Judge Reggie Walton (Bush nominee) found Barr displayed 'lack of candor' in Mueller Report representations and questioned whether Barr 'made a calculated attempt to influence public discourse about the Mueller Report in favor of President Trump'; (3) Barr assigned St. Louis USA to re-examine Flynn investigation; created Ukraine coordination framework limiting SDNY autonomy.
Ukraine investigation framework (Feb 2020): Barr appointed Richard Donoghue EDNY US Attorney to coordinate any existing Ukraine-related investigations and approve widening and expansion of existing matters per internal DOJ memorandum. This was perceived as attempt to assert control over SDNY investigations into Giuliani associates Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman Giuliani Ukraine efforts removal of Ambassador Yovanovitch foreign money into Trump inaugural committee and Cohen campaign finance matters. Berman publicly asserted SDNY independence on Mar 9 2020 in response.
Berman assertion of SDNY independence (Mar 9 2020): Geoffrey Berman publicly declared SDNYs independence at press conference stating the Southern District of New York has a long history of integrity and pursuing cases based only on the facts and the law without regard to partisan political concerns. This was first time Berman spoke publicly about independence following Barr interventions in Mueller characterization Stone sentencing Flynn case and Ukraine investigation framework. SDNY news clips (EFTA00014243) circulated Berman statement alongside Judge Walton lack of candor ruling same day.
Michael Flynn case dismissal (May 7 2020): Barr DOJ moved to dismiss criminal case against Flynn despite Flynns two guilty pleas to lying to FBI about conversations with Russian ambassador Kislyak during 2016 transition. Barr tasked Jeff Jensen (US Attorney Missouri) to review case who recommended dismissal. DOJ argued Flynns false statements were not material to any bona fide investigation. Judge Emmet Sullivan refused to immediately dismiss appointed amicus curiae to argue against dismissal. DC Circuit initially ordered dismissal (2-1) but full court vacated that order. Trump pardoned Flynn Nov 25 2020 mooting the case.
Lafayette Square and federal law enforcement deployment (Jun-Jul 2020): On Jun 1 2020 federal officers cleared protesters from Lafayette Square using tear gas and physical force before Barr escorted Trump to St Johns Church for photo opportunity. Barr subsequently authorized deployment of federal agents to Portland OR where unidentified officers in unmarked vehicles detained protesters. Later IG report found Barr was not in chain of command for clearing but his presence was described. Over 1250 former DOJ officials called for IG probe of Barrs role. Barr defended response at Jul 28 House Judiciary hearing.
BERMAN FIRING TIMELINE: Jun 19, 2020: Barr announced Jay Clayton would replace Geoffrey Berman as SDNY USA. Berman was overseeing: Epstein prosecution, Goldman Sachs 1MDB probe, JPMorgan investigation, Giuliani investigation. Berman refused to resign. Jun 20: Trump fired Berman. Clayton withdrew from nomination. Audrey Strauss became acting USA. Jul 2, 2020: Ghislaine Maxwell arrested — two weeks after Berman firing attempt. Mar 2020 SDNY clips documented Barr-Berman tensions: Barr tried to micromanage cases including Halkbank (Turkish bank) where Barr sought settlement to avoid indictment. Judge Reggie Walton found Barr displayed 'lack of candor' on Mueller Report. Barr created Ukraine coordination framework limiting SDNY autonomy.
Berman firing June 2020: Barr announced SDNY US Attorney Geoffrey Berman was stepping down Jun 19 2020 - but Berman had not resigned. Next day Barr said Trump fired Berman at Barrs request. Berman was actively investigating Trumps attorney Giuliani and had been leading Epstein co-conspirator investigation including charging MCC guards and publicly pressing Prince Andrew for cooperation. Berman later published memoir Holding the Line (Sep 2022) alleging Trump tried to undermine SDNY independence.
Audrey Strauss succession at SDNY after Berman firing: When Barr fired Berman Jun 20 2020 he was forced to accept SDNYs deputy Audrey Strauss as acting US Attorney by operation of law rather than installing his preferred choice Jay Clayton. Berman refused to leave until presidentially-appointed nominee confirmed by Senate forcing Barr to fire him via Trump. Strauss then served as acting then court-appointed SDNY USA through Oct 2021. She proceeded to charge Ghislaine Maxwell (Jul 2 2020 just 12 days after taking over) and continued Trump-related investigations demonstrating institutional resilience.
Aaron Zelinsky testified to House Judiciary Committee (Jun 24 2020) that Roger Stone received unprecedented political treatment. Zelinsky stated: In my tenure as federal prosecutor I had never seen political influence play any role in prosecutorial decision making with one exception United States v Roger Stone. He testified that acting US Attorney for DC received heavy pressure from highest levels of DOJ and instructions to water down sentencing were based on political considerations tied to Stone relationship to the president. Over 1100 former DOJ officials called on Barr to resign.
Unmasking probe (2020): Barr tasked US Attorney John Bash (Western District Texas) to review instances of unmasking around 2016 election targeting Obama administration officials. Trump and allies had alleged improper unmasking of Trump associates in NSA intelligence reports. After months of investigation Bash found no evidence of substantive wrongdoing. Investigation concluded without a public report and without any charges. Bash resigned Oct 2020. Investigation widely viewed as attempt to validate Trump claims about Obama-era surveillance abuse that failed to produce evidence.
OPR review of Acosta plea deal released Nov 2020 under Barrs DOJ: Found Acosta used poor judgment in Epstein NPA but NOT professional misconduct. OPR called it troubling that Acosta resolved case through negotiated plea before investigation completed. Acosta failed to notify victims. Report was released during Barrs final weeks as AG. The mild finding (poor judgment not misconduct) effectively shielded former officials from professional consequences. Barr had recused from this specific review due to Kirkland Ellis conflict.
Operation Legend federal law enforcement surge (Jul-Dec 2020): Barr launched Operation Legend sending hundreds of federal agents (FBI Marshals DEA ATF) to 9 cities starting Kansas City Jul 8 then Chicago Albuquerque Cleveland Detroit Milwaukee St Louis Memphis Indianapolis. In Chicago alone 400+ federal agents deployed resulting in 500 arrests. Barr claimed credit for cutting Chicagos murder rate in half though city officials disputed timing. Operation represented unprecedented federal insertion into local law enforcement during an election year.
Election fraud repudiation and resignation (Dec 2020): On Dec 1 2020 Barr told AP he had not seen fraud on a scale that could have affected a different outcome in the election contradicting Trumps claims. Trump became enraged. Barr submitted resignation Dec 14 effective Dec 23. Trump claimed he fired Barr. Jeffrey Rosen became acting AG for final month. This was Barrs only significant public break with Trump during entire tenure. Barr later testified he told Trump election fraud claims were bullshit and that Trump knew well that he had lost the election.
Tucker Carlson Fox News segment (Jan 25, 2023) documented Barr's MCC death response. Barr's speech after death: 'We are now learning of serious irregularities at this facility that are deeply concerning and demand a thorough investigation. The FBI and the Office of Inspector General are doing just that. We will get to the bottom of what happened.' Carlson noted: 3.5 years later, neither FBI nor OIG ever issued a report explaining how Epstein died. Only 2 low-level guards punished; Obama-appointed judge dropped all charges against both. MCC warden N'Diaye moved to desk job; Barr intervened to halt N'Diaye's transfer to Fort Dix.
Epstein death investigation: Barr personally reviewed approx 11 hours of MCC jail surveillance footage from night of Aug 9-10 2019. Senior AG staff were among first to arrive at MCC after death - described as highly unusual by 20-year DOJ veteran. Barr concluded video showed no one entered Epsteins tier. In 2025 House Oversight deposition under subpoena (Aug 18 2025), Barr maintained suicide conclusion: For me the video was the icing on the cake. Told Trump: You better brace for this. CBS News investigation identified discrepancies with Barrs characterization of footage.
Gregory Craig prosecution and pressure on SDNY to even things out: DOJ officials pressured Bermans office to prosecute former Obama White House counsel Greg Craig for FARA violations before 2018 midterms. DOJ official Edward OCallaghan told Bermans deputy to charge Craig to even things out referencing recent SDNY prosecutions of Trump allies Cohen and Manafort. DC USAO eventually indicted Craig and a jury acquitted him in less than 5 hours. This episode documented DOJ leadership using political balancing to drive prosecution decisions.
Epstein recusal strategically narrow: Barr recused only from retrospective review of 2008 Florida plea deal because Kirkland Ellis partner Jay Lefkowitz represented Epstein. However Barr retained FULL oversight of active SDNY criminal prosecution and death investigation. Former FBI Assistant Director Frank Figliuzzi said issues were inexorably linked and Barr should have recused from both. Barr declined to recuse based on father Donald Barrs Dalton School connection calling it too remote.
Barr clerked for Judge Malcolm Wilkey on DC Circuit (1977-1978). Wilkey was a Nixon appointee (1970), former US Attorney for Southern District of Texas. Bush Sr called Wilkey personally to vouch for Barr for the clerkship. Wilkey later became US Ambassador to Uruguay under Reagan/Bush. This connection placed Barr in the conservative legal elite pipeline from CIA to federal judiciary to DOJ.
intelligence (8)
Barr worked at CIA 1973-1977 while attending GWU Law School at night. Served as analyst in Intelligence Directorate (1973-1975), then moved to Office of Legislative Counsel (1975-1977) as agency liaison to Congress during Church/Pike Committee investigations. During this period he first met George HW Bush when Bush became CIA Director (Jan 1976-Jan 1977).
Surveillance state architect across three decades: (1) As AG under Bush Sr (1992), authorized DEA bulk phone metadata collection covering 100+ countries with Deputy AG Robert Mueller. This became model for NSA Patriot Act surveillance. (2) As GTE/Verizon EVP and General Counsel (2000-2008), oversaw Verizons participation in NSA Stellar Wind warrantless surveillance program - intercepting Americans phone calls/emails and vacuuming bulk metadata without legal authorization. DOJ later found portions violated FISA. (3) Then lobbied Congress for retroactive telecom immunity from lawsuits for illegal surveillance participation.
In 1992, AG Barr and deputy Robert Mueller authorized DEA bulk telephone surveillance program collecting records of ALL phone calls from US to 100+ countries. No judicial authorization required (administrative subpoenas). Government first known effort to gather data on Americans in bulk. Program provided blueprint for far broader post-9/11 NSA phone metadata collection. No legal review was conducted before launch per DOJ IG report.
PATTERN ANALYSIS - Barr career as institutional choke-point controller: (1) CIA 1975-77: Helped block Church Committee accountability, drafted letters to end records moratorium. (2) OLC 1989-90: Wrote secret legal opinions expanding executive power, misled Congress on memo contents, justified Panama invasion. (3) AG 1991-93: Pardoned Iran-Contra defendants killing Walsh investigation, oversaw Ruby Ridge, launched warrantless DEA bulk surveillance, obstructed BCCI investigation until forced. (4) GTE/Verizon 1994-2008: Profited from surveillance state he helped create, lobbied for telecom immunity. (5) Och-Ziff 2016-18: Joined board same year as 412M FCPA settlement as compliance chair. (6) 2018: Wrote unsolicited memo to kill Mueller obstruction theory. Each phase: arrives at accountability choke-point, reduces accountability.
As Verizon GC (2000-2008), Barr oversaw legal department during NSA Stellar Wind warrantless surveillance program. Verizon was key provider of metadata to NSA. DOJ concluded in 2004 that portions of program were illegal. Barr then lobbied Congress to give telecom companies retroactive AND future immunity from private lawsuits for participating in illegal surveillance. Successfully obtained this immunity in 2008 FISA Amendments Act. Pattern: created surveillance state as AG (1992 DEA program), profited from it as telecom exec, then shielded telecoms from accountability.
EPSTEIN BARR REACTION TIMELINE (Dec 2018 - May 2019): Dec 6, 2018: Epstein asks Bannon 'do you know bill barr. CIA.' (same day as nomination). Dec 7 AM: iMessage 'Cnn reporting Bill Barr'. Dec 7 noon: Farkas emails 'Bill Barr for AG announced today'. Dec 7 1:27pm: Starr discusses Barr CNN appearance, suggests Meese as alternative. Dec 7 1:54pm: Epstein iMessage 'Barr a disaster for t[rump]'. Apr 18, 2019: Farkas 'Told you Barr would protect Trump known him for 50 years'. May 27, 2019 4AM: Epstein 'Navigate Biden Horowitz Barr. DB NYS /' — five weeks before arrest. Undated: Epstein tracks Barr's intel chiefs investigation as personally relevant. Pattern: Epstein initially feared Barr (disaster), inner circle predicted protection, Epstein ultimately saw Barr as obstacle to navigate alongside IG Horowitz, Biden, DB, and NYS.
CIA career 1973-1977: Analyst in Intelligence Directorate (1973-75) analyzing Chinese broadcasts (matching his Columbia MA in Chinese studies), then Office of Legislative Counsel (1975-77). While in OLC, drafted letters calling for end to CIAs moratorium on destroying records ahead of Church Committee hearings (doc CIA-RDP77M00144R000800070004-6). Helped write materials Director George H.W. Bush used to resist Church and Pike Committee oversight. Attended GWU Law night school concurrently.
While at CIA Office of Legislative Counsel (1975-1977), Barr drafted letters calling for end of moratorium on destroying CIA records imposed ahead of Church Committee hearings. Declassified memo CIA-RDP77M00144R000800070004-6 shows Barr (going by 'Bill') frequently appears in OLC journal. He helped write talking points that Director Bush used to fend off Pike and Church Committees.
identity (6)
Early life: Born May 23 1950 NYC. Grew up Upper West Side Manhattan. Attended Corpus Christi School (Catholic grammar school), then Horace Mann School (non-sectarian private). Columbia BA government 1971, Columbia MA government and Chinese studies 1973 (both while beginning CIA work). Father Donald Barr taught English at Columbia and ran Columbia Science Honors Program 1958-64 before becoming Dalton headmaster 1964. After Dalton, Donald became Hackley School headmaster Sep 1975 in Tarrytown NY, dismissed 28 students in Jun 1976 for discipline.
Donald Barr (father) served in OSS during WWII, Columbia BA 1941 (math/anthropology), returned to Columbia for MA English 1950. Headmaster Dalton School 1964-1974. Resigned Feb 1974 in dispute with board of trustees. Published Space Relations (1973), sci-fi novel depicting oligarchic society with sexual slavery of teenagers. Second son Stephen Barr (b.1953) is U of Delaware physics professor emeritus.
Family: Married Christine Moynihan (librarian) in 1973. Three daughters: (1) Mary Barr Daly - married Michael Patrick Daly (NSD-DOJ attorney, ex-Mayer Brown) in 2007 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church by Rev. Kevin OBrien. Mary ran DOJ anti-opioid efforts, moved to Treasury FinCEN unit 2019. (2) Patricia Barr Straughn - counsel for House Agriculture Committee. (3) Margaret (Meg) Barr McGaughey - married Tyler McGaughey, former prosecutor in EDVA who was detailed to White House Counsels Office during Barrs 2nd AG tenure, raising ethics concerns.
Catholic institutional network: Board of Catholic Information Center (CIC) 2014-2017, an Opus Dei-affiliated bookstore/chapel at 15th and K St NW, two blocks from White House. Fellow board members included Leonard Leo (Federalist Society EVP) and Pat Cipollone (later White House Counsel). Opus Dei officially states Barr is NOT a member. Also: Becket Fund for Religious Liberty board 1994-2015 (21 years), Ethics and Public Policy Center board 2004-2009. Oct 11 2019 Notre Dame speech declared militant secularists threat and pledged DOJ would fight for religious liberty.
Complete career timeline: CIA analyst/legislative counsel 1973-77. GWU Law JD 1977 (night school during CIA). Clerk Judge Malcolm Wilkey DC Circuit 1977-78. Shaw Pittman Potts and Trowbridge associate 1978-82. Reagan White House Deputy Asst Dir Legal Policy 1982-83 (reported to Roger Porter, handled civil rights/crime/immigration). Shaw Pittman partner 1983-89. OLC head 1989-90. Deputy AG 1990-91. AG 1991-93. GTE General Counsel/EVP 1994-2000. Verizon EVP/GC 2000-2008. K&E Of Counsel 2009-2017. Trump AG 2019-Dec 2020.
Post-2020 trajectory: Resigned as AG Dec 14 2020 after publicly stating no widespread election fraud. Resignation letter praised Trump effusively despite tensions. Testified to Jan 6 Committee June 2022 via video calling Trumps fraud claims detached from reality. Published memoir One Damn Thing After Another (Mar 2022). Despite calling Trump unfit for office, endorsed Republican ticket Apr 2024. NOT on Fox Corp board (that is William Burck, a different person). Current activities include speaking engagements and legal advisory work.