Ex-Prosecutor Reveals Reasons for Resigning from Durham’s Trump-Russia Probe
A Former U.S. Attorney Testifies About Resignation from Durham’s Inquiry
In a captivating testimony during an approval hearing for a place on Connecticut’s Supreme Court, Nora Dannehy, a former U.S. Attorney for Connecticut, shed light on her resignation from Special Counsel John Durham’s inquiry.
Back in 2020, Dannehy made headlines when she stepped down from the team investigating the FBI’s probe into former President Donald Trump’s alleged ties to Russia. However, she remained tight-lipped about the specifics at the time.
According to a report by The New York Times in January of this year, her resignation was the result of a series of disputes over prosecutorial ethics with John Durham and Attorney General Bill Barr.
During her testimony in Hartford, Connecticut, Dannehy confirmed the reports, emphasizing that her resignation was driven by her conscience and not by political motives.
She stated, “Before I address the reason behind my resignation, I want to clarify that I did not return to the ‘Trump DOJ.’ Politics never influenced how I performed my duties.”
Continuing her statement, Dannehy expressed her unwavering commitment to the rule of law and fairness. She said, “Throughout my career at the Department of Justice, I conducted investigations objectively and without political bias.”
When questioned by state Rep. Steven Strafstrom, the Democratic co-chairman of the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee, Dannehy revealed that she was troubled by Attorney General Bill Barr’s public comments about the ongoing criminal investigation. She believed that these comments violated Department of Justice guidelines.
Dannehy further explained her concerns about the potential release of a draft report before the 2020 presidential election, stating that it went against the Department of Justice’s long-standing policy of avoiding actions that could influence an election.
Ultimately, Dannehy made the difficult decision to resign, stating, “I simply could not be a part of it. It was the most challenging personal and professional choice I’ve ever made.”
In Durham’s report, it was concluded that the FBI had significant failings in their investigation, including confirmation bias and a lack of analytical rigor. The report also recommended the establishment of a position to oversee politically sensitive investigations in the future.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, who previously employed Dannehy as his legal counsel, announced her nomination for the state’s Supreme Court earlier this month. He described her as a person of integrity who relentlessly pursues justice.
With a 30–4 vote in favor of her nomination by the Judiciary Committee, Dannehy’s confirmation now moves to the state’s General Assembly for final approval.
How did Dannehy express her concerns about the politicization of the investigation and its potential impact on the public’s perception of the justice system?
And prosecutions with integrity and impartiality. I have always strived to uphold the principles of justice and ensure that the rule of law is applied consistently and fairly.”
Regarding her resignation from John Durham’s inquiry, Dannehy revealed that it was the culmination of a series of disagreements over prosecutorial ethics. She stated, “I had fundamental disagreements with Mr. Durham and Attorney General Barr regarding the handling of certain aspects of the investigation. These disagreements centered around issues of transparency, fairness, and the appropriate use of prosecutorial discretion.”
Dannehy went on to express her concerns about the politicization of the investigation and the potential impact on the public’s perception of the justice system. She emphasized the need for an independent and non-partisan approach to investigations, stating, “It is crucial for the public to have confidence in the integrity of our judicial system. Any perception of bias or impropriety can undermine that confidence and erode the foundation of our democracy.”
Throughout her testimony, Dannehy maintained that her resignation was a matter of principle and integrity. She reiterated, “I made the decision to resign in order to uphold the values that I hold dear and to protect the integrity of the justice system.”
Following her resignation, Dannehy has returned to private practice in Connecticut. However, she remains committed to promoting the importance of ethical conduct in the legal profession and the need for transparency and fairness in the pursuit of justice.
In conclusion, Nora Dannehy’s testimony provided insight into the reasons behind her resignation from John Durham’s inquiry. Her commitment to the principles of justice and her concerns about the handling of the investigation highlight the importance of upholding integrity and impartiality in the pursuit of truth. Her testimony serves as a reminder of the vital role that independent and non-partisan prosecutors play in maintaining public trust in the justice system.
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