Bill Barr Flips On Trump Again

In a recent interview, former Attorney General Bill Barr voiced strong opposition to former President Trump’s call to dismantle the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), labeling it as “crazy and reckless.” Barr, who served under Trump’s administration from 2019 to 2020, emphasized the crucial role of FISA in safeguarding the nation against terrorist threats. He warned against political posturing that could jeopardize national security, urging for a pragmatic approach in extending FISA’s surveillance authority.

Expressing concern over Trump’s personal motives influencing his stance on FISA, Barr highlighted the disconnect between Trump’s past support for FISA and his current opposition. He clarified that the contentious provision Trump objected to was unrelated to the legislation under consideration. Despite Trump’s fervent call to “KILL FISA,” Barr underscored the necessity of maintaining surveillance capabilities, particularly in the face of escalating threats.

The House’s recent vote, which failed to advance the reauthorization of FISA’s Section 702 surveillance authority, has cast uncertainty over the future of the legislation. Barr debunked Trump’s assertion that FISA was misused during the Russia investigation, emphasizing that the surveillance in question did not fall under Section 702. He warned of potential repercussions, including heightened vulnerability to attacks, if FISA’s authority is allowed to lapse.

Barr criticized Trump’s vacillation on the issue, noting that the former president initially supported FISA’s extension but later wavered, driven by frustration over political attacks. He condemned such fluctuations as detrimental to national security, emphasizing the non-partisan nature of protecting the country’s interests.

Expressing apprehension over the ramifications of blocking FISA’s reauthorization, Barr cautioned that Republicans could face severe repercussions if an attack occurs due to the lapse in surveillance authority. He emphasized the indispensable role of FISA in thwarting threats and preserving national security.

Looking ahead, Barr raised concerns about the potential impact of Trump’s opposition on future surveillance measures. He warned that a return to the White House by Trump could further imperil intelligence agencies’ capabilities, potentially undermining efforts to combat foreign threats.

Barr’s sentiments were echoed by senior Senate Republicans, including John Thune and Marco Rubio, who emphasized the imperative of maintaining FISA’s surveillance capabilities to safeguard the nation against evolving threats. Rubio underscored the critical role of FISA in counterterrorism efforts, cautioning against undermining intelligence-gathering initiatives.

In conclusion, Barr’s impassioned defense of FISA underscores the vital importance of surveillance in preserving national security, urging for bipartisan cooperation to address concerns and uphold the country’s safety.