Ryan Barber
@cryanbarber.bsky.social
Wall Street Journal reporter covering the Justice Department and legal affairs. https://www.wsj.com/news/author/cryan-barber
Signal: cryanbarber.41
Signal: cryanbarber.41
Some background on Marc Elias’ beef with Big Law.
Before leaving Perkins Coie to hang his own shingle, Elias made his discomfort with corporate clients clear.
In 2021, he accused Toyota, a firm client, of undermining democracy with its political donations.
www.businessinsider.com/marc-elias-l...
Before leaving Perkins Coie to hang his own shingle, Elias made his discomfort with corporate clients clear.
In 2021, he accused Toyota, a firm client, of undermining democracy with its political donations.
www.businessinsider.com/marc-elias-l...
March 9, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Some background on Marc Elias’ beef with Big Law.
Before leaving Perkins Coie to hang his own shingle, Elias made his discomfort with corporate clients clear.
In 2021, he accused Toyota, a firm client, of undermining democracy with its political donations.
www.businessinsider.com/marc-elias-l...
Before leaving Perkins Coie to hang his own shingle, Elias made his discomfort with corporate clients clear.
In 2021, he accused Toyota, a firm client, of undermining democracy with its political donations.
www.businessinsider.com/marc-elias-l...
“We have a lot of law firms that we’re going to be going after because they were very dishonest people,” Trump said in an interview that aired Sunday on Fox News.
www.wsj.com/us-news/law/...
www.wsj.com/us-news/law/...
Fear of Trump Has Elite Law Firms in Retreat
Many big corporate law firms are declining to help with public criticism and legal opposition to the second Trump administration, in the wake of executive orders punishing law firms with Democratic ti...
www.wsj.com
March 9, 2025 at 6:27 PM
“We have a lot of law firms that we’re going to be going after because they were very dishonest people,” Trump said in an interview that aired Sunday on Fox News.
www.wsj.com/us-news/law/...
www.wsj.com/us-news/law/...
“The new badge of honor in Silicon Valley is if the SEC has dropped your case.”
Crypto cashes in on the $Trump era.
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Crypto cashes in on the $Trump era.
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
The Forces That Flipped Trump From Crypto Critic to ‘Crypto President’
The president had called cryptocurrency a ‘scam’ but during his campaign last year he was persuaded of its value, especially as an investment for the Trump family.
www.wsj.com
March 8, 2025 at 11:27 AM
“The new badge of honor in Silicon Valley is if the SEC has dropped your case.”
Crypto cashes in on the $Trump era.
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Crypto cashes in on the $Trump era.
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Now: Elizabeth Oyer, the Justice Department's pardon attorney, was fired today.
In a letter, Deputy AG Todd Blanche invoked Article II of the Constitution and said, "your employment with the Department of Justice is hereby terminated."
Earlier on Oyer 👇
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
In a letter, Deputy AG Todd Blanche invoked Article II of the Constitution and said, "your employment with the Department of Justice is hereby terminated."
Earlier on Oyer 👇
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Exclusive | Biden Commutations Angered His Own Justice Department
The DOJ’s career pardon attorney told prosecutors that some of Biden’s moves to shorten sentences were “very upsetting.”
www.wsj.com
March 7, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Now: Elizabeth Oyer, the Justice Department's pardon attorney, was fired today.
In a letter, Deputy AG Todd Blanche invoked Article II of the Constitution and said, "your employment with the Department of Justice is hereby terminated."
Earlier on Oyer 👇
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
In a letter, Deputy AG Todd Blanche invoked Article II of the Constitution and said, "your employment with the Department of Justice is hereby terminated."
Earlier on Oyer 👇
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
And so the headaches begin for DOJ in its defense of DOGE ...
s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25...
s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25...
March 5, 2025 at 4:14 PM
And so the headaches begin for DOJ in its defense of DOGE ...
s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25...
s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25...
Reposted by Ryan Barber
President Trump leaned into the theatrics of his speech and appeared to surprise a young guest who has struggled with brain cancer by making him a U.S. Secret Service agent.
Follow live updates.
Follow live updates.
Trump Designates Child as Secret Service Member in Touching Moment
President Trump leaned into the theatrics of his speech and appeared to surprise a young guest who has struggled with brain cancer by making him a U.S. Secret Service agent. The boy–D.J. Daniel, a…
www.wsj.com
March 5, 2025 at 3:43 AM
President Trump leaned into the theatrics of his speech and appeared to surprise a young guest who has struggled with brain cancer by making him a U.S. Secret Service agent.
Follow live updates.
Follow live updates.
“Headed by Elon Musk” could be a problematic line for DOJ in court.
March 5, 2025 at 2:44 AM
“Headed by Elon Musk” could be a problematic line for DOJ in court.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. calls it “poison.”
President Trump drinks multiple cans of it every day.
Welcome to the 2025 soda wars.
www.wsj.com/health/rfk-j...
President Trump drinks multiple cans of it every day.
Welcome to the 2025 soda wars.
www.wsj.com/health/rfk-j...
RFK Jr. and His Allies Target Trump’s Beloved Soda
Arkansas may be the first state to restrict Trump’s beloved beverage from food aid.
www.wsj.com
March 3, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. calls it “poison.”
President Trump drinks multiple cans of it every day.
Welcome to the 2025 soda wars.
www.wsj.com/health/rfk-j...
President Trump drinks multiple cans of it every day.
Welcome to the 2025 soda wars.
www.wsj.com/health/rfk-j...
Reposted by Ryan Barber
BREAKING: Judge Amy Berman Jackson sides with Hampton Dellinger in his challenge to Donald Trump’s effort to fire him as head of the Office of Special Counsel. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
![UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
HAMPTON DELLINGER in his personal capacity and in his official capacity as Special Counsel of the Office of Special Counsel,
Plaintiff,
Civil Action No. 25-0385 (ABJ)
V.
SCOTT BESSENT
in his official capacity as
Secretary of the Treasury, et al.,
Defendants.
MEMORANDUM OPINION
On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as Special Counsel of the US Office of Special Counsel is terminated, effective immediately. Thank you for your service[.]
Ex. A to Compl. [Dkt. # 1-1] ("Ex. A").](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:36eqtmzysqf7wsslczw4uxcd/bafkreicyftgexhtt6angbnnmd7c233bpdd2wqes7rus4n6xdqiu5q4g65q@jpeg)
March 2, 2025 at 1:26 AM
BREAKING: Judge Amy Berman Jackson sides with Hampton Dellinger in his challenge to Donald Trump’s effort to fire him as head of the Office of Special Counsel. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
She was among the key Trump advisors moonlighting in the private sector with “special government employee,” or SGE, status.
Now, Katie Miller has stepped down from a Republican communications consulting firm.
Earlier, w/ Josh Dawsey and @klong.bsky.social
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Now, Katie Miller has stepped down from a Republican communications consulting firm.
Earlier, w/ Josh Dawsey and @klong.bsky.social
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
March 1, 2025 at 2:24 PM
She was among the key Trump advisors moonlighting in the private sector with “special government employee,” or SGE, status.
Now, Katie Miller has stepped down from a Republican communications consulting firm.
Earlier, w/ Josh Dawsey and @klong.bsky.social
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Now, Katie Miller has stepped down from a Republican communications consulting firm.
Earlier, w/ Josh Dawsey and @klong.bsky.social
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Reported here that, between Election Day and Trump’s inauguration, about 20 lawyers had left a key Justice Department unit that defends the executive branch.
Roughly another 10 lawyers left in Trump’s first month in office. And even more have left DOJ in the past week.
www.wsj.com/us-news/law/...
Roughly another 10 lawyers left in Trump’s first month in office. And even more have left DOJ in the past week.
www.wsj.com/us-news/law/...
March 1, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Reported here that, between Election Day and Trump’s inauguration, about 20 lawyers had left a key Justice Department unit that defends the executive branch.
Roughly another 10 lawyers left in Trump’s first month in office. And even more have left DOJ in the past week.
www.wsj.com/us-news/law/...
Roughly another 10 lawyers left in Trump’s first month in office. And even more have left DOJ in the past week.
www.wsj.com/us-news/law/...
Reposted by Ryan Barber
A member of Russia’s state-owned news agency gained access to the Oval Office on Friday to cover President Trump’s sit-down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky – even as the AP and Reuters were barred from the high-level meeting www.cnn.com/2025/02/28/m...
A Russian state media reporter gained entry to the Oval Office for Trump-Zelensky sit-down | CNN Business
A member of Russia’s state-owned news agency gained access to the Oval Office on Friday to cover President Trump’s sit-down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky – even as the AP and Reuters wer...
www.cnn.com
March 1, 2025 at 2:16 AM
A member of Russia’s state-owned news agency gained access to the Oval Office on Friday to cover President Trump’s sit-down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky – even as the AP and Reuters were barred from the high-level meeting www.cnn.com/2025/02/28/m...
With deep ties to RFK, Katie Miller has touted herself as a proponent of the “Make America Healthy Again” movement.
She’s now stepping down from a consulting firm where she was advising processed food makers on how they could work with the MAHA movement.
www.wsj.com/politics/pol... w/ Josh Dawsey
She’s now stepping down from a consulting firm where she was advising processed food makers on how they could work with the MAHA movement.
www.wsj.com/politics/pol... w/ Josh Dawsey
White House Staffer Who Worked for Private Clients Steps Down From Consulting Firm
Katie Miller, as a “special government employee,” was allowed to work as a private consultant while serving in the White House. She stepped down from the consulting role after the Journal reported on ...
www.wsj.com
March 1, 2025 at 1:49 AM
With deep ties to RFK, Katie Miller has touted herself as a proponent of the “Make America Healthy Again” movement.
She’s now stepping down from a consulting firm where she was advising processed food makers on how they could work with the MAHA movement.
www.wsj.com/politics/pol... w/ Josh Dawsey
She’s now stepping down from a consulting firm where she was advising processed food makers on how they could work with the MAHA movement.
www.wsj.com/politics/pol... w/ Josh Dawsey
Frustration from a federal judge, again, over DOJ’s inability to answer questions in defense of Trump policies.
“We have about half the number the staff that we had at the beginning of November,” a DOJ lawyer said while defending DOGE today.
Earlier on the DOJ woes …
www.wsj.com/us-news/law/...
“We have about half the number the staff that we had at the beginning of November,” a DOJ lawyer said while defending DOGE today.
Earlier on the DOJ woes …
www.wsj.com/us-news/law/...
DOJ Slip-Ups Show Challenges of Defending Trump’s Freewheeling Approach
Judges have questioned whether the government’s legal arguments and factual presentations are accurate.
www.wsj.com
March 1, 2025 at 12:09 AM
Frustration from a federal judge, again, over DOJ’s inability to answer questions in defense of Trump policies.
“We have about half the number the staff that we had at the beginning of November,” a DOJ lawyer said while defending DOGE today.
Earlier on the DOJ woes …
www.wsj.com/us-news/law/...
“We have about half the number the staff that we had at the beginning of November,” a DOJ lawyer said while defending DOGE today.
Earlier on the DOJ woes …
www.wsj.com/us-news/law/...
Reposted by Ryan Barber
Katie Miller, a key adviser in the Trump White House, is taking a leave of absence from a private consulting job. WSJ previously reported she was simultaneously working at a top Republican consulting firm that was paying her to represent its clients.
White House Staffer Who Moonlighted for Private Clients Steps Down From Consulting Firm
Katie Miller, as a “special government employee,” was allowed to work as a private consultant while serving in the White House. She stepped down from the consulting role after the Journal reported on…
www.wsj.com
February 28, 2025 at 9:41 PM
Katie Miller, a key adviser in the Trump White House, is taking a leave of absence from a private consulting job. WSJ previously reported she was simultaneously working at a top Republican consulting firm that was paying her to represent its clients.
Reposted by Ryan Barber
The WSJ joint from Josh Dawsey & @cryanbarber.bsky.social www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
February 28, 2025 at 9:38 PM
The WSJ joint from Josh Dawsey & @cryanbarber.bsky.social www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Reposted by Ryan Barber
Read the sordid backstory of Barry Van Treese's 1997 murder--and why Richard Glossip's lawyers believe Justin Sneed really beat Mr. Van Treese to death with a baseball bat: www.wsj.com/us-news/law/...
February 25, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Read the sordid backstory of Barry Van Treese's 1997 murder--and why Richard Glossip's lawyers believe Justin Sneed really beat Mr. Van Treese to death with a baseball bat: www.wsj.com/us-news/law/...
They carry a three-letter designation that allows them to wear both hats: “SGE,” or special government employee.
Trump administration is using that status on a scale never before seen.
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Trump administration is using that status on a scale never before seen.
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
The Trump Staffers Who Get Paid by Private Clients
“Special government employees,” including many who drive policy, aren’t required to publicly disclose potential conflicts or give up outside work or investments.
www.wsj.com
February 26, 2025 at 7:39 PM
They carry a three-letter designation that allows them to wear both hats: “SGE,” or special government employee.
Trump administration is using that status on a scale never before seen.
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Trump administration is using that status on a scale never before seen.
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Nearly nine months after Jan. 6, FBI agents went to arrest Jeremy Brown and found two grenades, a sawed-off shotgun and a classified report in an RV.
DOJ now says Trump’s Jan. 6 pardon extends to Brown’s 7+ year prison sentence for unlawful possession of those items.
www.wsj.com/us-news/law/...
DOJ now says Trump’s Jan. 6 pardon extends to Brown’s 7+ year prison sentence for unlawful possession of those items.
www.wsj.com/us-news/law/...
Justice Department Says Jan. 6 Pardon Covers Some Other Crimes
Prosecutors are siding with some defendants who argue the pardon absolves them of additional offenses, some discovered during investigations of the Capitol riot.
www.wsj.com
February 26, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Nearly nine months after Jan. 6, FBI agents went to arrest Jeremy Brown and found two grenades, a sawed-off shotgun and a classified report in an RV.
DOJ now says Trump’s Jan. 6 pardon extends to Brown’s 7+ year prison sentence for unlawful possession of those items.
www.wsj.com/us-news/law/...
DOJ now says Trump’s Jan. 6 pardon extends to Brown’s 7+ year prison sentence for unlawful possession of those items.
www.wsj.com/us-news/law/...
Weeks after Trump’s mass pardon, life is far from settled for a large contingent of January 6 defendants.
www.wsj.com/us-news/law/...
www.wsj.com/us-news/law/...
Jan. 6 Rioters Argue Pardons Apply to Charges Including Murder Plot, Child Porn
Defendants are arguing that President Trump’s pardon for offenses related to the storming of the Capitol should also absolve them of other alleged crimes, some discovered during Jan. 6 investigations.
www.wsj.com
February 19, 2025 at 1:34 AM
Weeks after Trump’s mass pardon, life is far from settled for a large contingent of January 6 defendants.
www.wsj.com/us-news/law/...
www.wsj.com/us-news/law/...
Today, the only pets allowed in the Rutherford are dogs, cats and fish.
“And they’ve got to be little fish. With their mouths sewn shut.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/16/b...
“And they’ve got to be little fish. With their mouths sewn shut.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/16/b...
How Pet Parrots Started a War Inside an NYC Apartment Building
How noise complaints in a Manhattan co-op led to a $750,000 legal settlement and shattered a friendship.
www.nytimes.com
February 16, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Today, the only pets allowed in the Rutherford are dogs, cats and fish.
“And they’ve got to be little fish. With their mouths sewn shut.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/16/b...
“And they’ve got to be little fish. With their mouths sewn shut.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/16/b...
Reposted by Ryan Barber
UnitedHealth officials are pointing to their CEO's murder as a reason they cannot comment on an unrelated @propublica.org investigation into the company's practice of strategically limiting access to critical treatment for kids with autism.
"We are in mourning," a spokesperson wrote.
"We are in mourning," a spokesperson wrote.
December 13, 2024 at 4:29 PM
UnitedHealth officials are pointing to their CEO's murder as a reason they cannot comment on an unrelated @propublica.org investigation into the company's practice of strategically limiting access to critical treatment for kids with autism.
"We are in mourning," a spokesperson wrote.
"We are in mourning," a spokesperson wrote.
“Any pardons ... will never erase what happened on January 6, which must never be forgotten.”
President-elect Donald Trump’s pardon pledge on Jan. 6 cases has left judges and lawyers grappling with how to proceed as prosecutions roll on
Jan. 6 Defendants Cling to Trump’s Pardon Pledge as Prosecutions Roll On
Most judges aren’t delaying proceedings, but there are exceptions
on.wsj.com
December 13, 2024 at 6:49 PM
“Any pardons ... will never erase what happened on January 6, which must never be forgotten.”
Back in court today: Jan. 6 defendant Kevin Loftus, who tried to travel to Russia to join in the country's offensive against Ukraine.
Prosecutors want Loftus to receive a six-month prison sentence for violating his probation by leaving north Texas without permission.
www.wsj.com/politics/nat...
Prosecutors want Loftus to receive a six-month prison sentence for violating his probation by leaving north Texas without permission.
www.wsj.com/politics/nat...
Jan. 6 Rioter Tried to Join Russian Army to Fight Ukraine, Prosecutors Say
Kevin Loftus told FBI agents he had planned to travel from Turkey to the Republic of Georgia to get a 90-day visa to Russia.
www.wsj.com
December 13, 2024 at 6:30 PM
Back in court today: Jan. 6 defendant Kevin Loftus, who tried to travel to Russia to join in the country's offensive against Ukraine.
Prosecutors want Loftus to receive a six-month prison sentence for violating his probation by leaving north Texas without permission.
www.wsj.com/politics/nat...
Prosecutors want Loftus to receive a six-month prison sentence for violating his probation by leaving north Texas without permission.
www.wsj.com/politics/nat...