Photo by Office of the President-elect via Wikimedia Commons
In the wake of revelations that as senator he met Russian Ambassador to the United States during the presidential 2016 election campaign, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Thursday he would recuse himself from any probe into Russian attempt to interfere in the U.S. election process.
The decision means Sessions would not participate in any investigation as attorney general into the 2016 presidential election campaign.
After The Washington Post broke news of Sessions’ meetings with Moscow’s ambassador in Washington Sergey I. Kislyak, Democrats mounted calls for Sessions’ resignation while some Republican leaders on the Capitol Hill called upon the attorney general to recuse from any investigation into the alleged Russian involvement in the U.S. political process.
The 2016 election – resulting in victory for Donald Trump over Democatic Hillary Clinton – marked one of the most bitterly fought campaign seasons, marred by allegations of Russian meddling.
Last month, former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn resigned over not briefing Vice President Mik Pence fully about his conversation with Russian Ambassador to the United States.
At the Justice Department, Sessions vehemently denied he ever discussed the election with the Russian diplomat.
Sessions’ decision came after a series of meetings with the relevant senior career Department officials on whether he should recuse himself from any matters arising from the campaigns for President of the United States.
“Having concluded those meetings today, I have decided to recuse myself from any existing or future investigations of any matters related in any way to the campaigns for President of the United States,” said Sessions, a surrogate of President Trump during the campaign.
The attorney general added he has taken no actions regarding any such matters, to the extent they exist.
“This announcement should not be interpreted as confirmation of the existence of any investigation or suggestive of the scope of any such investigation.
“Consistent with the succession order for the Department of Justice, Acting Deputy Attorney General and U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Dana Boente shall act as and perform the functions of the Attorney General with respect to any matters from which I have recused myself to the extent they exist.”
President Trump, speaking earlier in the day,voiced his support for Sessions and believed as nominee for attorney general he had been truthful on the issue at his Senate confirmation hearing.
