Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) said Thursday that “it would be best” for Attorney General Jeff Sessions to recuse himself from a probe into any ties between the Trump campaign and Russia in the wake of revelations that Sessions met with Russia’s ambassador to the United States before the election.
“Jeff Sessions is a former colleague and a friend, but I think it would be best for him and for the country to recuse himself from the DOJ Russia probe,” Portman said in a statement.
Sessions denied during his confirmation hearing in January that he had “communications with Russians,” which he also denied in a written questionnaire.
On Thursday, however, Sessions’ spokeswoman confirmed that Sessions met twice with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak before the election.
In a statement released Tuesday, Sessions denied that he discussed “issues of the campaign” with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak.
“I have no idea what this allegation is about,” he said. “It is false.”
Portman was the first Senate Republican to call for Sessions to recuse himself from the investigation.
Two top House Republicans indicated on Thursday that Sessions should consider recusing himself. House Oversight Committee Chair Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) tweeted that Sessions “should clarify his testimony and recuse himself.”
House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) said it would be “easier” for Sessions to recuse himself, but later said that he never called on Sessions to do so.
Portman says “appropriate,” Cornyn says “premature.”
Senate GOP cracking already.
I beg to differ, Senator: It would be best if Sessions resign and await prosecution.
And better that he resign immediately…
The GOP Bridge of Truth.
How do you spell “Civil War”?