The Department of Justice is shooting down a New York Times report regarding John Bolton's new book. A leaked manuscript reveals that the former national security adviser suggests that President Trump's withholding of military aid to Ukraine was tied to an investigation of the Bidens. Democrats launched their impeachment inquiry against Trump claiming he abused his power when he asked Ukraine President Zelensky to investigate the Bidens' ties to a Ukrainian gas company.
Another revelation in the leaks is that Bolton reportedly told Attorney General William Barr he had concerns about Trump's relationship with autocrats, such as the leaders of Turkey and China, and it appeared he had an influence on investigations. The DOJ fired back at these rumors on Tuesday.
DOJ statement in response to tonight’s NYT story on John Bolton and Attorney General Barr. pic.twitter.com/WzekTSqY0f
— KerriKupecDOJ (@KerriKupecDOJ) January 28, 2020
"The New York Times' account of this conversation grossly mischaracterizes what Attorney General Barr and Mr. Bolton discussed," the DOJ insists. "There was no discussion of personal favors or undue influence on investigations, nor did Attorney General Barr state that the president's conversations with foreign leaders was improper..."
Democrats have seized on The New York Times report to try and buoy their case for a Bolton testimony in the Senate impeachment trial against President Trump. Many Republicans have rejected those demands, reminding the impeachment managers that they had their chance to subpoena Bolton during the House inquiry and punted.