Barr Reschedules Massive Holiday Party At Trump Hotel

The Washington Post reports:

Attorney General William P. Barr had planned to hold a 200-person holiday party at the Trump hotel in Washington Sunday night, but the event was rescheduled, according to a Justice Department spokeswoman. The spokeswoman declined to say when the event would take place but said it would still be at the Trump International Hotel, a choice that prompted critics to question Barr’s independence from Trump, who still profits from his business while in office.

Barr has been a key defender of President Trump, including Monday when he criticized an inspector general’s report examining the FBI’s investigation into possible coordination between Trump’s 2016 campaign and Russia. Twice this week, Justice Department attorneys are defending Trump in court against suits claiming the president illegally benefits from his business while in office.

Law & Crime reports:

Barr had reportedly signed an agreement with the hotel over the summer that required him to provide a $10,000 deposit up front, and spend a minimum of $31,5000 in total. The full cost of the event is being funded by Barr in his personal capacity.

Not publicly disclosing the event’s new date could help Barr and his guests avoid protests. On Sunday night, half a dozen protesters — thinking Barr’s guests would be arriving — held a sign on the sidewalk out front calling for Barr to be disbarred and told guests arriving at the hotel: “You’re on the wrong side of history.”