Attorney General William Barr described a letter written by special counsel Robert Mueller, complaining about his summary of the Russia probe, as “a bit snitty.”
Mr. Barr suggested the tone of the letter means the missive was likely written a member of Mr. Mueller’s staff and not the special counsel himself. Although, he offered no evidence that was the case.
The newly-revealed letter came to light Tuesday ahead of Mr. Barr’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Mr. Barr has insisted Mr. Mueller’s complaints were about the media’s characterization of the letter and not the attorney general’s summary of his work.
Mr. Barr said the special counsel offered his criticism of the press in a phone call, but balked at providing lawmakers with notes from that meeting.
When Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut Democrat, asked for those notes, Mr. Barr replied with a flat-out “no.” An effort to follow up was cut short by Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham declaring an end to the hearing....