Giuliani Is Reporting Directly To Justice Dept. Why That's A Big Deal

U.S. Attorney General William Barr said Monday the Justice Department had been receiving information regarding Ukraine from Rudy Giuliani. While it was not confirmed whether or not a new investigation had been opened into the Bidens, Barr’s statement certainly speaks volumes.

During the news conference, Barr said that an “intake process” that includes vetting measures were being used regarding any information relating to former Vice President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, and their dealings in Ukraine.

Barr said the Justice Department “has the obligation to have an open door to anybody who wishes to provide us information that they think is relevant,” including from Rudy Giuliani, President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer and former mayor of New York City.

The attorney general’s statement confirms remarks from Sen. Lindsey Graham, who said on Sunday that the Justice Department had been screening information obtained from Giuliani.

Giuliani has played a central role in the Ukraine scandal which has embroiled the Trump administration for months. He has been pushing a narrative suggesting Hunter Biden engaged in corrupt activities while serving on the board of Ukrainian energy company Burisma. Giuliani and others in the Trump camp have alleged that Hunter Biden’s father, who was vice president during the Obama administration at the time, had used his influence to get his son the board position.

“You can't take anything you receive from Ukraine at face value,” said Barr, including the information received from Giuliani. Though he has not disclosed his proof publicly, Giuliani has maintained throughout the impeachment process that he has evidence demonstrating corrupt behavior by the Bidens in Ukraine.

As it became clear that the impeachment trial would end with an acquittal for Trump, Republicans began to openly discuss their followup plans. At the time, Sen. Graham had been among those calling for, among other things, a federal investigation into the Bidens. He has since walked that back, though, instead urging a focus on other matters including obtaining testimony from the Ukraine whistleblower.