Washington,apr 11:Attorney General William Barr said on Wednesday he would look into whether US agencies illegally spied on President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign, sparking criticism from Democrats who accused him of promoting a conspiracy theory.Barr, who was appointed by Trump, is already facing criticism by congressional Democrats for how he has handled the release of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s report on the probe of Russian interference in the 2016 election, and his comments about surveillance brought more derision from Democratic senators.His testimony echoed longstanding allegations by Trump and Republican allies that seeks to cast doubt on the early days of the federal investigation in an apparent attempt to discredit Mueller, law enforcement and intelligence agencies.Earlier on Wednesday, Trump dialled up his rhetoric on the launch of the federal investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election, describing it as “an attempted coup” and treason.Barr told senators at a hearing on Wednesday that he felt the need to further probe how US intelligence agencies conducted themselves in the Russia investigation because “spying on a political campaign is a big deal.”“So you’re not suggesting, though, that spying occurred?” asked Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the ranking Democrat on the Senate appropriations subcommittee.“I think spying did occur,” said Barr, the top US law enforcement officer. “But the question is whether it was adequately predicated, and I am not suggesting that it wasn’t adequately predicated.”Barr acknowledged under sharp questioning by lawmakers that there was no evidence of wrongdoing, and later declined to elaborate on why he has concerns.Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said in a tweet that Barr should retract his comments. “Perpetuating conspiracy theories is beneath the office of the Attorney General,” Schumer wrote.“It sounds as though he thinks that the FBI is conducting some kind of a rogue investigation without the appropriate warrants. I think that’s astounding coming from the attorney general,” Senator Mazie Hirono, a Democrat who serves on the Senate Judiciary committee, said in an interview with Reuters.
