Former AG William Barr Says Trump’s First Amendment Defense in Jan. 6 Case Is ‘Not Valid’

Former Attorney General William Barr, who served during the Trump administration, said in a recent interview that the former president’s legal defense claiming his First Amendment rights in the Jan. 6 federal indictment will not hold up in court.

Attorney General William Barr speaks during a news conference at the Department of Justice in Washington on Dec. 21, 2020. Michael Reynolds/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

Former Attorney General William Barr has weighed in on the indictment against former President Donald Trump, stating the claim made by the former president’s lawyers that the case against him is an attack on free speech is not valid.

Speaking to CNN on Aug. 2, Mr. Barr said he believes the case against Mr. Trump is “legitimate” but acknowledged it is also “complicated,” adding that he is concerned about the “slippery slope of criminalizing legitimate political activity” and how divisive the case may prove to be among Americans.