As you wish. (a thread)
One Jeffrey Beauregard Sessions appointed Geoffrey Berman to temporarily serve as the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, following @PreetBharara's removal. This was a temporary appointment, and it expired.
In April 2018, federal district court judges unanimously voted to keep his appointment standing. That's a little weird, but it's what happens under the statute at the expiration of a temporary appointment.
This weekend, AG Barr announced that Berman was stepping down, and that he would be replaced by Jay Clayton, the current SEC chair who has no experience as a federal prosecutor. This was news to Berman.
Berman said, sorry, Bill, but not how it works. You can't just say the appointment ended and the vacancy is being filled because the office is not vacant. I'm here, appointed by the district judges, so until the Senate confirms a new US Attorney, you're stuck with me.
So then Barr says, well, I have here a DOJ Opinion saying that the President can fire you. Guess what? The President has fired you.
(Meanwhile the President said "I'm not involved." <-- actual quote)
(Meanwhile the President said "I'm not involved." <-- actual quote)
With the President's firing, the AG announced that the current deputy in the SDNY office, Audrey Strauss, would lead the office until a permanent successor is appointed. With this announcement, Berman resigned effective immediately.
Berman is upset but has made glowing statements about Strauss, talking about how she is brilliant and principled. This whole debacle has also forced AG Barr to acknowledge that the Inspector General will review any concerns about improper influence in the office.
Why would we worry about improper influence? Well...
Berman prosecuted Michael Cohen.
Berman is currently investigating Rudy Giuliani.
Bolton's book reveals that Trump wanted to pressure Berman's office to cease investigating a Turkish bank at Erdogan's request.
Berman is currently investigating Rudy Giuliani.
Bolton's book reveals that Trump wanted to pressure Berman's office to cease investigating a Turkish bank at Erdogan's request.
No reason has been provided for Berman's removal.
By refusing to go quietly, Berman ensured that someone competent and experienced and principled would succeed him for some period of time. He put the issue on the IG's radar. He ensured that the public and Congress would be on this. I'm grateful for that. /end
