On August 1, I spoke with Barr to brief him on what Trump said to Zelensky about Giuliani, and Trump’s references to Barr himself. I suggested he have someone rein Giuliani in before he got completely out of control. We also discussed the status of Halkbank, and the still-pending question of sanctioning Turkey for purchasing Russian S-400 air defense systems. Barr said he was waiting to hear back from Halkbank’s counsel on the Justice Department’s latest settlement offer. (On October 15, just after I left the Administration, the Justice Department returned a blistering indictment against
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