U.S. Attorney for Southern District of New York · Obama Administration · 2009-2017

Preet Bharara

Democrat Former Officials
Summary

Former U.S. Attorney who was fired by Trump after refusing to resign and later warned that Trump's attacks on institutions are authoritarian in nature.

In Their Own Words

Key Statements

“
The thing that concerns me the most is the attack on institutions... These attacks are authoritarian in nature.
February 28, 2018 · CNN
Interview about attacks on DOJ, FBI, judiciary, and press
“
What we're seeing is unprecedented. A president who believes he is above the law.
April 18, 2019 · PBS NewsHour
Interview following the Mueller report
“
I think Donald Trump's unfitness for office is manifest.
October 5, 2020 · MSNBC
Interview during 2020 campaign

Timeline

August 13, 2009

Became U.S. Attorney for SDNY

Nominated by Obama

March 10, 2017

Asked to stay by Trump

Trump personally requested he stay

March 11, 2017

Fired by Trump

Dismissed day after refusing to resign

Invalid Date

Host of 'Stay Tuned with Preet' podcast

Commentator on Trump and rule of law

2018

Warned about Trump's authoritarianism

Criticized attacks on institutions

Why This Matters

Credibility & Background

Background

Former U.S. Attorney for Southern District of New York, renowned prosecutor

Positions Held

  • U.S. Attorney, Southern District of New York (2009-2017)
  • Assistant U.S. Attorney, SDNY (2000-2005)
  • Chief Counsel, U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee (2005-2009)
Analysis

Reasons for Opposition

  1. 01 Said attacks on institutions are authoritarian
  2. 02 Said Trump believed he was above the law
  3. 03 Said Trump's unfitness for office was manifest
Electoral Position

Opposes Trump's presidency

Documentation

Sources

News February 28, 2018
Preet Bharara: Attacks on institutions are authoritarian
https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/28/politics/preet-bharara-trump-authoritarian/index.html
Interview April 18, 2019
Preet Bharara on Mueller report and rule of law
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/preet-bharara-on-mueller-report-trump-claims-of-total-exoneration
Interview October 5, 2020
Preet Bharara: Trump’s unfitness for office is manifest
https://www.msnbc.com/11th-hour/watch/preet-bharara-trump-s-unfitness-for-office-is-manifest-93286853784
View All Critics

Explore the full list of Republican officials, military leaders, and former staff who have spoken out against Trump.