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Jeff Sessions fired and replaced with longtime Mueller critic – live updates Jeff Sessions fired and replaced with longtime Mueller critic – live updates
(35 minutes later)
What does Jeff Sessions’ firing mean for Mueller and the Trump-Russia inquiry?
The Guardian’s Tom McCarthy writes:
A sense of alarm over the Sessions firing and what it could mean for the Mueller investigation was widespread in national security circles. The special counsel’s office is nested inside the justice department, which is headed by the attorney general.
“Not a drill,” tweeted Susan Hennessy, the editor of the Lawfare blog and a Brookings Institution fellow. “This is a frontal assault on the Mueller investigation. Trump sees a window and he’s taking it.”
Trump’s precise plan for Mueller was unclear from the immediate news of the Sessions firing, the latest in a long series of high-profile firings and resignations from the highest echelons of the Trump administration. While Trump’s loudest complaints about Sessions centered on the attorney general’s decision to recuse himself from oversight of the Russia inquiry, Trump has voiced displeasure with Sessions for many other reasons.
Former US attorney general Jeff Sessions has left the building.
Justice department employees were invited to watch Sessions leave the building this afternoon in an office-wide email. “Please join us for this special department wide event!” the email said.
Footage of the exit shows crowds clapping in and outside the Justice department building as a smiling Sessions walks out, pauses in front of the crowd, shakes hands with a few people, then steps into a black car.
All DOJ employees are cordially invited to watch their former boss leave the building after getting shitcanned by Trump. pic.twitter.com/T1VAIO0qAp
JUST IN: Jeff Sessions departs Dept. of Justice after resigning as attorney general. https://t.co/25FYcIQr7l pic.twitter.com/10bhVk1V4p
Iowa representative Steve King, a Republican, said his “head is bloodied but unbowed” after winning his ninth election.
King faced an unexpected challenge from Democratic opponent JD Scholten in the final days of the campaign.
“I’m going to march through this. I’m going to take on all charges, take on all challengers. We’re going to fight to put this record in order,” King told the Associated Press.
More from the AP:
King said unexpected attacks began after news reports surfaced in September and October about his stance on immigration he was described in one as “the most anti-immigrant member of Congress” and a trip he took to Austria and his meeting there with members of the Freedom Party, which is associated with a man once active in neo-Nazi circles.
Organizations and individuals stirred by the allegations poured money into the Scholten campaign, giving it millions of dollars for television ads.
“I don’t know if anybody in America has taken that kind of nasty, negative, dishonest attack and withstood it,” King said.
King also vowed he’ll no longer passively allow news media or opponents mischaracterize his statements or take them out of context.
“That’s something I’m changing,” King said. “I have refused all these years to defend myself of these baseless charges. I will be defending myself.”
More reaction to Sessions’ firing from the Democrats.More reaction to Sessions’ firing from the Democrats.
“Trump love plays the media,” Sanders told the Guardian in a phone interview from Burlington moments after the news broke. “It’s not an accident that as the media is discussing last night’s defeats for him and the progress that Democrats have made he wants to change that discussion immediately by firing Sessions.”“Trump love plays the media,” Sanders told the Guardian in a phone interview from Burlington moments after the news broke. “It’s not an accident that as the media is discussing last night’s defeats for him and the progress that Democrats have made he wants to change that discussion immediately by firing Sessions.”
“I think that it is absolutely imperative that the Mueller investigation looking at possible Trump campaign collusion with the Russians must be allowed to proceed unimpeded,” he continued. “If it is not allowed it would constitute an obstruction of justice and that would, in fact, be an impeachable offense. My hope is that Trump is smart enough to understand that.”“I think that it is absolutely imperative that the Mueller investigation looking at possible Trump campaign collusion with the Russians must be allowed to proceed unimpeded,” he continued. “If it is not allowed it would constitute an obstruction of justice and that would, in fact, be an impeachable offense. My hope is that Trump is smart enough to understand that.”
Senator Diane Feinstein, Democrat from California, says its clear Trump will “take any action he can to undermine the Mueller investigation.” Feinstein is the top Democrat on the senate judiciary committee.Senator Diane Feinstein, Democrat from California, says its clear Trump will “take any action he can to undermine the Mueller investigation.” Feinstein is the top Democrat on the senate judiciary committee.
By firing Attorney General Sessions, the president has made abundantly clear that he’ll take any action he can to undermine the Mueller investigation.By firing Attorney General Sessions, the president has made abundantly clear that he’ll take any action he can to undermine the Mueller investigation.
Rod Rosenstein has been capably overseeing Robert Mueller’s work and should continue in that role. No one who lacks Senate confirmation should be placed in charge of this investigation, especially Matthew Whitaker who publically criticized Robert Mueller’s work just last year.Rod Rosenstein has been capably overseeing Robert Mueller’s work and should continue in that role. No one who lacks Senate confirmation should be placed in charge of this investigation, especially Matthew Whitaker who publically criticized Robert Mueller’s work just last year.
Whitaker should come before the Senate Judiciary Committee as soon as possible and make a firm commitment not to interfere in the investigation, to include restricting the investigation or making changes in personnel. The special counsel’s work is critical and important. It must not be touched, abated or changed in any way.Whitaker should come before the Senate Judiciary Committee as soon as possible and make a firm commitment not to interfere in the investigation, to include restricting the investigation or making changes in personnel. The special counsel’s work is critical and important. It must not be touched, abated or changed in any way.
The Guardian’s Jon Swaine writes that the firing of Sessions “will conclude a bitter public dispute between the attorney general and his president that is unprecedented in recent times.”The Guardian’s Jon Swaine writes that the firing of Sessions “will conclude a bitter public dispute between the attorney general and his president that is unprecedented in recent times.”
In August, Trump sharply criticised Sessions in a television interview the day after the president’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations and his former campaign manager Paul Manafort was convicted of fraud – both cases having stemmed from the Mueller investigation.In August, Trump sharply criticised Sessions in a television interview the day after the president’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations and his former campaign manager Paul Manafort was convicted of fraud – both cases having stemmed from the Mueller investigation.
Trump said: “I put in an attorney general that never took control of the justice department.”Trump said: “I put in an attorney general that never took control of the justice department.”
Sessions struck back with a statement that said: “I took control of the Department of Justice the day I was sworn in … While I am attorney general the actions of the department will not be improperly influenced by political considerations.”Sessions struck back with a statement that said: “I took control of the Department of Justice the day I was sworn in … While I am attorney general the actions of the department will not be improperly influenced by political considerations.”
More on Matthew Whitaker, the new acting attorney general.More on Matthew Whitaker, the new acting attorney general.
In 2014, he did an interview with the blog Caffeinated Thoughts.In 2014, he did an interview with the blog Caffeinated Thoughts.
In the interview, he says he opposes same-sex marriage, the Affordable Care Act and raising taxes.In the interview, he says he opposes same-sex marriage, the Affordable Care Act and raising taxes.
Of climate change, he said:Of climate change, he said:
I don’t believe in big government solutions to a problem that doesn’t appear to be that significant or quite possibly isn’t man made.I don’t believe in big government solutions to a problem that doesn’t appear to be that significant or quite possibly isn’t man made.
On the US tax collection agency, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), he said:On the US tax collection agency, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), he said:
As someone who was quite possibly targeted for my political beliefs via the IRS, I went through an audit not long after the first year of my business represented some conservative groups. The politicization and targeting of groups is so against the America I believe in.As someone who was quite possibly targeted for my political beliefs via the IRS, I went through an audit not long after the first year of my business represented some conservative groups. The politicization and targeting of groups is so against the America I believe in.
And on the federal government’s role in education, he said:And on the federal government’s role in education, he said:
I think the Department of Education should be disbanded and the resources either returned to the taxpayers or put into the schools. Bureaucrats in Washington D.C. shouldn’t know how to better educate my kids than I do.I think the Department of Education should be disbanded and the resources either returned to the taxpayers or put into the schools. Bureaucrats in Washington D.C. shouldn’t know how to better educate my kids than I do.
This is interesting re: blue wave.This is interesting re: blue wave.
Of the sixty House races in eight northeastern states, including New York and New Jersey, not a single Republican is on pace to top 57% of the vote, according to the New York Times.Of the sixty House races in eight northeastern states, including New York and New Jersey, not a single Republican is on pace to top 57% of the vote, according to the New York Times.
The party lost six of their seats and of the nine that they still hold, three incumbents led with less than 50% of the vote.The party lost six of their seats and of the nine that they still hold, three incumbents led with less than 50% of the vote.
“Not long ago, Republicans held half of New Jersey’s 12 Congressional seats; now they are possibly down to just one,” the Times said.“Not long ago, Republicans held half of New Jersey’s 12 Congressional seats; now they are possibly down to just one,” the Times said.
It was only a few hours ago that Trump gave his first remarks since the midterm elections. Here are some highlights:It was only a few hours ago that Trump gave his first remarks since the midterm elections. Here are some highlights:
Asked less than three hours ago about Jeff Sessions' future, Trump said, “I’d rather answer that at a little different time."Asked less than three hours ago about Jeff Sessions' future, Trump said, “I’d rather answer that at a little different time."
Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, has called on acting attorney general Matthew Whitaker to recuse himself from overseeing special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation.Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, has called on acting attorney general Matthew Whitaker to recuse himself from overseeing special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation.
“Given his previous comments advocating defunding and imposing limitations on the Mueller investigation, Mr Whitaker should recuse himself from its oversight for the duration of his time as acting attorney general,” Schumer said in a statement.“Given his previous comments advocating defunding and imposing limitations on the Mueller investigation, Mr Whitaker should recuse himself from its oversight for the duration of his time as acting attorney general,” Schumer said in a statement.
In Florida, razor thin margins in the races for both the Senate and governorship may trigger a recount, giving Democrats fresh hopes that all is not yet lost.Bill Nelson, the state’s incumbent Senate Democrat, refused to concede to Republican Rick Scott even as the latter declared victory on Tuesday night. Latest projections showed Nelson narrowly trailing Scott, the outgoing Florida governor, by about 34,000 votes of 8.1 million ballots cast. While candidates cannot petition for a recount in Florida, state law requires that a recount be automatically triggered if the margin is less than one-half-a-percent of the total vote. As Scott’s shrunk to only 0.4 percentage points, Nelson declared in a statement: “We are proceeding to a recount.”Scott’s campaign suggested Nelson, who was first elected in 2000, was acting out of desperation. An electronic recount would need to be ordered by Florida’s Secretary of State, Ken Detzner, who was appointed by Scott, after unofficial results are delivered on Saturday. The closely watched Florida governor’s race also moved closer to recount territory, as Republican Ron DeSantis’s lead over Democrat Andrew Gillum stood at just over 0.6 percentage points on Wednesday. Gillum conceded to DeSantis on Tuesday in what marked one of the Democratic Party’s biggest upsets of the night.In Florida, razor thin margins in the races for both the Senate and governorship may trigger a recount, giving Democrats fresh hopes that all is not yet lost.Bill Nelson, the state’s incumbent Senate Democrat, refused to concede to Republican Rick Scott even as the latter declared victory on Tuesday night. Latest projections showed Nelson narrowly trailing Scott, the outgoing Florida governor, by about 34,000 votes of 8.1 million ballots cast. While candidates cannot petition for a recount in Florida, state law requires that a recount be automatically triggered if the margin is less than one-half-a-percent of the total vote. As Scott’s shrunk to only 0.4 percentage points, Nelson declared in a statement: “We are proceeding to a recount.”Scott’s campaign suggested Nelson, who was first elected in 2000, was acting out of desperation. An electronic recount would need to be ordered by Florida’s Secretary of State, Ken Detzner, who was appointed by Scott, after unofficial results are delivered on Saturday. The closely watched Florida governor’s race also moved closer to recount territory, as Republican Ron DeSantis’s lead over Democrat Andrew Gillum stood at just over 0.6 percentage points on Wednesday. Gillum conceded to DeSantis on Tuesday in what marked one of the Democratic Party’s biggest upsets of the night.
A small glimpse into the mind of the new acting attorney general, Matt Whitaker, is available on his Twitter feed.A small glimpse into the mind of the new acting attorney general, Matt Whitaker, is available on his Twitter feed.
Most of the posts are about the University of Iowa’s football team, which he played on (#GoHawkeyes):Most of the posts are about the University of Iowa’s football team, which he played on (#GoHawkeyes):
Instant reaction to @TheIowaHawkeyes 24-3 win over Wyo. Solid defense w/ improved secondary, off. plenty of room for growth, mucho upsideInstant reaction to @TheIowaHawkeyes 24-3 win over Wyo. Solid defense w/ improved secondary, off. plenty of room for growth, mucho upside
Whitaker is also fluent in bitmoji:Whitaker is also fluent in bitmoji:
Happy Thanksgiving, y'all! I am thankful for so much. God is great. pic.twitter.com/9CWXZb9B08Happy Thanksgiving, y'all! I am thankful for so much. God is great. pic.twitter.com/9CWXZb9B08
There is also a peak into his personal life:There is also a peak into his personal life:
Do boots & guitar mean I am a little bit country and a little bit rock & roll? pic.twitter.com/IktvDBeJ5BDo boots & guitar mean I am a little bit country and a little bit rock & roll? pic.twitter.com/IktvDBeJ5B
~~ Sessions break ~~~~ Sessions break ~~
California’s 49th congressional district has been called. Democrat Mike Levin wins the seat.California’s 49th congressional district has been called. Democrat Mike Levin wins the seat.
First formal call of a Democratic pickup in California. They lead in two other Republican held districts in the state right now https://t.co/z9I9qmHsWFFirst formal call of a Democratic pickup in California. They lead in two other Republican held districts in the state right now https://t.co/z9I9qmHsWF
A lot can happen in a year …A lot can happen in a year …
Senator Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, told reporters last year there would be “holy hell to pay” if Sessions is fired.Senator Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, told reporters last year there would be “holy hell to pay” if Sessions is fired.
Lindsey Graham in July 2017: "If Sessions is fired, there will be holy hell to pay." (via CNN) pic.twitter.com/VmqsAjXNlJLindsey Graham in July 2017: "If Sessions is fired, there will be holy hell to pay." (via CNN) pic.twitter.com/VmqsAjXNlJ
Now that the moment has arrived (though instead of being fired, Sessions resigned at the president’s request), Graham has said in a statement: “I look forward to working with President Trump to find a confirmable, worthy successor so that we can start a new chapter at the Department of Justice and deal with both the opportunities and challenges our nation faces.”Now that the moment has arrived (though instead of being fired, Sessions resigned at the president’s request), Graham has said in a statement: “I look forward to working with President Trump to find a confirmable, worthy successor so that we can start a new chapter at the Department of Justice and deal with both the opportunities and challenges our nation faces.”
Graham’s office is also telling reporters he won’t take the newly vacated job.Graham’s office is also telling reporters he won’t take the newly vacated job.
MORE: I just asked a spokesman if @LindseyGrahamSC would be interested in the AG post. Quoting him, he told me: "No, no, no."MORE: I just asked a spokesman if @LindseyGrahamSC would be interested in the AG post. Quoting him, he told me: "No, no, no."