Trump has made clear he demands loyalty from an attorney general, repeatedly haranguing and ultimately forcing out his first one, Jeff Sessions, for not protecting the president from the Russia investigation. As attorney general and in the years since, Barr has expressed his belief that presidents have broad authority, limiting the power of Congress and courts to hold them in check. Barr contended presidents cannot be investigated for actions like firing subordinates that they're lawfully permitted to take, arguments similar to those of Trump's lawyers. Bush gave the invasion order, Barr was playing bagpipes at Attorney General Richard Thornburgh's Christmas party, then scurried to the White House. As attorney general between 1991 and 1993, Barr blessed Bush's desire to pardon Reagan administration officials in the Iran-Contra scandal as within the president's authority.

Source: Economic Times January 08, 2019 19:18 UTC