Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) reacted in real time Wednesday to the news that Attorney General Jeff Sessions had resigned at President Donald Trump’s request. In a subsequent statement, Schumer called for acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker to recuse himself from oversight of Mueller’s probe.
“I’ve just heard the news,” Schumer said after an aide passed him a piece of paper during a press briefing that was meant to focus on Tuesday’s election results.
“I’d say this,” he continued. “Protecting Mueller and his investigation is paramount. It would create a constitutional crisis if this were a prelude to ending or greatly limiting the Mueller investigation, and I hope President Trump and those he listens to will refrain from that.”
Shortly after the press conference, Schumer said in a statement that, “Given his previous comments advocating defunding and imposing limitations on the Mueller investigation, [Acting Attorney General Matthew] Whitaker should recuse himself from its oversight for the duration of his time as acting attorney general.”
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