Barr tells Nadler he’s ‘a real class act’ for refusing to take a break during hearing

Attorney General William Barr told House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) he was a “real class act” after Nadler hesitated to grant a five minute break at Barr’s request near the end of a Judiciary Committee hearing Tuesday. 

“Mr. Chairman, could we take a five minute break?” Barr asked Nadler. 

“No,” Nadler responded. 

“I waited 45 [minutes], an hour for you this morning, I haven’t had lunch. I’d like to take a five minute break,” Barr responded. 

The hearing was delayed Tuesday morning after Nadler was in a minor car accident on his way to the Capitol. 

“Mr. Attorney General, we are almost finished. We are going to be finished in a few minutes. We can certainly take a break but,” Nadler said, before he was interrupted by Barr who told him “you’re a real class act.” 

AG Barr to Rep. Nadler: “You’re a real class act.” pic.twitter.com/HMY7TSF0EY

— The Hill (@thehill) July 28, 2020

After the brief back-and-forth, Nadler granted the five minute break. The hearing continued for about 15 more minutes after the committee reconvened. 

Throughout the contentious hearing, Democrats pressed Barr about the Justice Department’s handling of two high-profile cases involving Trump associates Roger Stone and former national security adviser Michael Flynn. The lawmakers also questioned Barr on the use of federal law enforcement in U.S. cities.