Trump requests Sessions' resignation after months of attacks over recusal
Reporting and findings
- reported
Sessions submitted a resignation letter stating it was at Trump's request. Trump installed Matthew Whitaker as acting attorney general, giving him supervision of the special counsel investigation despite Whitaker's prior public criticism of its scope. The change was legally permitted as an acting appointment but intensified independence concerns because it followed sustained presidential anger about Sessions' recusal.
- Associated Press: Jeff Sessions is out as attorney generalRequested resignation, letter, Whitaker appointment, investigation authority, and recusal context
Summary and current status
The removal placed an acting attorney general over the Mueller investigation outside the ordinary succession line.
Out of office
People and organizations
- Donald J. TrumpDonald Trump network root
- Jeff Sessionsformer Trump attorney general and first Senate endorser
Relationships in this file
- Donald J. Trumpattorney general and first Senate endorserJeff Sessions