11-07-2018, 05:44 PM
Well, Trump has been all over Sessions' ass for recusing himself from overseeing the Mueller investigation for months on end and even stated that Sessions would likely be out after the midterms. So this is no surprise, but the President sure didn't waste any time.
Sessions followed the law (after 'forgetting' to tell Congress, under oath, about his campaign-era Russia interactions). He obviously had a conflict of interest. But, Trump didn't care then and he doesn't care now.
Trump's been very clear that he doesn't want the Justice Dept to remain independent in the service of the American people, he instead wants the Justice Dept to shield and service him personally.
I've seen Whitaker (Sessions' chief of staff) interviewed a couple of times. He has toed the Trump line in regards to the Mueller investigation, so I guess his interim appointment to replace Sessions shouldn't be surprising either.
Anyway, I suspect Mueller anticipated such a move and planned ahead. I won't be surprised if we see new movement from Mueller's team tomorrow.
Sessions followed the law (after 'forgetting' to tell Congress, under oath, about his campaign-era Russia interactions). He obviously had a conflict of interest. But, Trump didn't care then and he doesn't care now.
Trump's been very clear that he doesn't want the Justice Dept to remain independent in the service of the American people, he instead wants the Justice Dept to shield and service him personally.
I've seen Whitaker (Sessions' chief of staff) interviewed a couple of times. He has toed the Trump line in regards to the Mueller investigation, so I guess his interim appointment to replace Sessions shouldn't be surprising either.
Anyway, I suspect Mueller anticipated such a move and planned ahead. I won't be surprised if we see new movement from Mueller's team tomorrow.