Bill Barr rejects Trump’s plea that it’s unfair to try him while he’s running: ‘You don’t get immunity’ by being a presidential candidate

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Then Attorney General Bill Barr and Donald Trump are seen during a 2020 visit in Wisconsin. Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images © Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images
  • Bill Barr said Trump shouldn’t get avoid trials simply because he’s running for president.
  • Trump and his defenders have pointed out how proposed trial dates conflict with the 2024 GOP nomination schedule.
  • While Barr thinks Trump could be convicted in some cases, he doesn’t want Trump to face prison time.

Former Attorney General Bill Barr on Thursday practically scoffed at former President Donald Trump’s argument that it’s unfair for him to be in court when he should be campaigning for president.

“To some degree, they might accommodate a few days here and there, but I don’t think that should govern the schedule for pursuing these cases,” Barr told Fox News host Neil Cavuto.

Barr pointed out that the federal investigations into Trump were ongoing before he announced his candidacy. Trump and his defenders have pointed out that some of his cases would run right up against the political calendar. Special counsel Jack Smith wants to take his January 6-related case to trial in January, right before the Iowa Republican caucuses. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis wants to Trump be tried in Georgia right before Super Tuesday.