Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) called for Attorney General Jeff Sessions to recuse himself from the Department of Justice’s investigation, presumably into possible ties between Trump campaign officials and Russian nationals during the 2016 campaign.
The senator’s statement followed revelations that Sessions met twice with the Russian ambassador to the United States during the campaign.
“Attorney General Sessions should recuse himself to ensure public confidence in the Justice Department’s investigation,” Collins said in a statement, which noted “reports that Attorney General Sessions spoke twice with the Russian ambassador last year.”
“He should also clarify his statements to the Judiciary Committee with respect to his communications with the Russian Ambassador,” Collins said.
Collins joins Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH), who said Thursday morning that Sessions should similarly recuse himself from the Department of Justice’s Russia probe.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) told reporters Thursday that Sessions should recuse himself from any potential investigations between the Trump campaign and Russia, “if there ever becomes enough evidence to suggest prosecution, or possible criminal prosecution.”
Graham noted the FBI director had not told him whether such an investigation was already underway.
