Sessions Rebuffs Trump Claim That He’s Not In ‘Control’ Of DOJ

ST. LOUIS, MO - MARCH 31:  US Attorney General Jeff Sessions addresses law enforcement members at the Thomas Eagleton U.S. Courthouse on March 31, 2017 in St. Louis, Missouri. Attorney General Session is in town to work with federal, state and local law enforcement about efforts to combat violent crime and restore public safety. (Photo by Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO - MARCH 31: US Attorney General Jeff Sessions addresses law enforcement members at the Thomas Eagleton U.S. Courthouse on March 31, 2017 in St. Louis, Missouri. Attorney General Session is in town to w... ST. LOUIS, MO - MARCH 31: US Attorney General Jeff Sessions addresses law enforcement members at the Thomas Eagleton U.S. Courthouse on March 31, 2017 in St. Louis, Missouri. Attorney General Session is in town to work with federal, state and local law enforcement about efforts to combat violent crime and restore public safety. (Photo by Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images) MORE LESS
Start your day with TPM.
Sign up for the Morning Memo newsletter

Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a statement Thursday that appeared to be directly addressed at President Trump’s claim on a Fox and Friends interview that Sessions “never took control” of the department, where “the Dems are very strong.”

“I took control of the Department of Justice the day I was sworn in,” Sessions’ statement said, while touting the department’s “unprecedented success at effectuating the President’s agenda.”

Trump, in the Fox News interview, took particular issue with Sessions’ decision to recuse himself from the Russia probe.

“You know, the only reason I gave him the job is because I felt loyalty,” Trump said.

Sessions’ statement said that, under his leadership, the Justice Department “will not be improperly influenced by political considerations.”

Read the full Sessions’ statement below:

“I took control of the Department of Justice the day I was sworn in, which is why we have had unprecedented success at effectuating the President’s agenda—one that protects the safety and security and rights of the American people, reduces violent crime, enforces our immigration laws, promotes economic growth, and advances religious liberty.

While I am Attorney General, the actions of the Department of Justice will not be improperly influenced by political considerations. I demand the highest standards, and where they are not met, I take action.  However, no nation has a more talented, more dedicated group of law enforcement investigators and prosecutors than the United States.

I am proud to serve with them and proud of the work we have done in successfully advancing the rule of law.”

 

Latest Muckraker

Notable Replies

  1. Why do I get the feeling that shit is on a collision course with fan?

  2. The first 2 legislators to endorse trump for Prez are under Indictment. #3 is…checks notes…Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III . Such is loyalty in the Drump universe.

  3. Avatar for pshah pshah says:

    Guys…guys…let’s handle this civilly. So don your hoods for a tiki-torch duel at 5 paces.

    PS: don’t forget your matching khakis and polos.

  4. If you look to your right, you will see the Great Potomac Swamp. Those two critters you see simultaneously fellating and attacking each other are two of the more odious examples of the Lesser Swamp Scum Skipper.

  5. Avatar for pshah pshah says:

    Trump is lashing out in all directions feeling the heat of a thousand tiki torches. Brilliant move by Mueller moving the Cohen investigation to SDNY, thus giving it cover from Trump’s wrath.

    By my count, there’s Mueller, SDNY, the NY AG, the NY state IRS, among others I’m sure, already involved. There are too many investigations across too many agencies for Trump to put the genie completely back in the bottle.

Continue the discussion at forums.talkingpointsmemo.com

47 more replies

Participants

Avatar for scavok Avatar for littlegirlblue Avatar for mondfledermaus Avatar for cervantes Avatar for crackerjack Avatar for sickneffintired Avatar for donnyyoung Avatar for sanni Avatar for khaaannn Avatar for katwillow Avatar for pshah Avatar for raincntry Avatar for tena Avatar for brian512 Avatar for tpr Avatar for not_so_fluffy Avatar for coimmigrant Avatar for spin Avatar for demosthenes59 Avatar for bashful Avatar for moniker Avatar for bushwickbob Avatar for haddockbranzini Avatar for staggerlee

Continue Discussion
Masthead Masthead
Founder & Editor-in-Chief:
Executive Editor:
Managing Editor:
Deputy Editor:
Editor at Large:
General Counsel:
Publisher:
Head of Product:
Director of Technology:
Associate Publisher:
Front End Developer:
Senior Designer: