Barr says he discussed Mueller probe with Pence

Attorney general nominee William Barr says he has discussed special counsel Robert Mueller’s probe with Vice President Pence, but not at great length with President Trump.

In written answers to questions from senators that were made public Monday, Barr said he has spoken occasionally with Pence since the spring of 2017, and that those conversations included discussions about Mueller’s investigation.

{mosads}”The Vice President and I are acquainted, and since the spring of 2017, we have had occasional conversations (sometimes joined by his chief of staff) on a variety of subjects, including policy, personnel, and other issues,” Barr said.

“Our conversations have included, at times, general discussion of the Special Counsel’s investigation in which I gave my views on such matters as Bob Mueller’s high integrity and various media reports,” he added.

Barr said he did not provide legal advice during those conversations and that he doesn’t believe Pence gave up any confidential information. 

He added there has been “no discussion of the substance” of the investigation in his talks with the White House.

“The President has not asked me my views about any aspect of the investigation, and he has not asked me about what I would do about anything in the investigation,” Barr said.

The special counsel is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and any possibly coordination with Trump’s team.

Barr has previously faced criticism from Democrats for submitting an unsolicited memo to the White House last year in which he said that parts of the probe focusing on obstruction of justice are based on a “fatally misconceived” theory.

Barr told senators during his confirmation hearing this month that he would let Mueller continue his probe.

Barr’s nomination is set to go before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, but a vote is likely to be delayed until next week. He is expected to be approved by the committee, where Republicans are in the majority by two seats.