Appearance of influence sullies cause of justice

‘Ithink it’s time to stop the tweeting about Department of Justice criminal cases,’’ Attorney-General William P. Barr said to ABC News, calling out President Trump for making it ‘‘impossible’’ to run a Justice Department with credibility. Barr’s frustration is understandable. Presidential pressure can put him in a no-win position. If he makes decisions that seem favourable to the president, as he did in ordering a lighter sentencing recommendation for Trump crony Roger Stone, he seems to be politicising the department. If he crosses the president, he may get slammed for giving in to Trump’s critics.

Still, if Barr is a victim of presidential misbehaviour, he is also too often an accomplice. Barr misinformed the public about the Russia report, giving the impression that Trump had been cleared when he had not been. Then there is Stone. The attorneygeneral no doubt has the power to order such a move. But it was not wise. He insisted that the people who know him understand he makes decisions on the merits. ‘‘But most people in the country don’t have that kind of exposure, and I think I can understand why people are concerned that it could influence . . . the department.’’

That is exactly why, whatever his intentions, he – like Trump – should be more careful.