Barr: It would be a crime for president to pardon someone in exchange for their silence

Source: Washington Examiner | January 15, 2019 | Olivia Beavers

William Barr, President Trump’s nominee to serve as attorney general, said on Tuesday that it would be illegal for a U.S. president to pardon an individual if that person agreed not to incriminate the commander in chief in a criminal offense.

“Do you believe a president could lawfully issue a pardon in exchange for the recipient’s promise not incriminate him?” Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) asked Barr during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“No, that would be a crime,” Barr said.

The pointed question comes as Democrats warn that President Trump could seek to interfere in special counsel Robert Mueller Russia investigation — a probe Barr has vowed he will allow to continue to run its course unhindered.

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