Donald Trump Fires Jeff Sessions in Potential Prelude to Dismissing Bob Mueller

By Dustin Rowles | Politics | November 7, 2018 |

By Dustin Rowles | Politics | November 7, 2018 |

With rumors and murmurings that Bob Mueller will soon hand down indictments (possibly of Don Jr.), Donald Trump has forced Jeff Sessions to resign as Attorney General, the day after the Democrats took back the House of Representatives. Sessions chief of staff Matthew Whitaker is set to take over as acting Attorney General, although Whitaker will need Senate approval (that shouldn’t be difficult with Republican pickups in the Senate). Whitaker is a Trump loyalist.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions resigns: “At your request, I am submitting my resignation.” pic.twitter.com/s9gYL5GCx2

— Jeff Zeleny (@jeffzeleny) November 7, 2018

What’s less certain is where Rod Rosenstein stands now that Sessions is out. He is safe in his position as Deputy Attorney for the time being, but I understand that he will no longer oversee the Russian probe, which leaves Whitaker — who has criticized the Mueller probe — with the ability to fire the special counsel.

NEW: Per @PeteWilliamsNBC — Rod Rosenstein will cease oversight of Mueller investigation. Acting AG expected to step in — but can only fire Special Counsel "for cause"

— Reggie Cecchini (@Cecchini_DC) November 7, 2018

This quote from Jeff Sessions' acting replacement, Matt Whitaker, is drawing fresh attention👇 https://t.co/kGtuWorFaU pic.twitter.com/pOIcB2JkWb

— John Kruzel (@johnkruzel) November 7, 2018

Are we going to have to start a GoFundMe to support Mueller’s probe?

As Democrats do not take back the House until January, I’m not sure they can do anything about it without bipartisan support. Regardless, the Southern District of New York and the New York State General do not answer to Whitaker, and they can proceed with their investigations.