Barr thinks Democrats treating Mueller unfairly

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Attorney General William Barr on Monday accused Democrats of trying to create a “public spectacle” by subpoenaing Special Counsel Robert Mueller to testify before Congress about the Russia investigation.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Barr said the Justice Department would support Mueller if he decides he “doesn’t want to subject himself” to congressional testimony. Barr also said the Justice Department would seek to block any attempt by Congress to subpoena members of the special counsel’s team.

There’s no indication that Mueller does not wish to appear before Congress on July 17. But he put lawmakers on notice that any testimony he gives will not go beyond his 448page report that was released in April. In May, Mueller said the team chose the words in the report carefully and that the work speaks for itself.

“I’m not sure what purpose is served by dragging him up there and trying to grill him,” Barr said. “I don’t think Mueller should be treated that way or subject himself to that.”

Mueller no longer works for the Justice Department, but the department could attempt to limit his testimony about decisions he made as special counsel.

Democrats have criticized Barr, saying he acts more like the president’s lawyer than the attorney general.

“Barr misled the public about Mueller’s report, and wants his own deception to stand,” Rep. Adam Schiff, D-calif., wrote. “The public has a right to hear the truth, from Mueller himself, about Trump’s misconduct.”