Jeff Sessions resigned from his post as attorney general on Wednesday, effective immediately, after allegedly being asked to do so by President Trump.
"At your request, I am submitting my resignation," Sessions wrote in a letter addressed to Trump.
He continued, "Since the day I was honored to be sworn in as Attorney General of the United States, I came to work at the Department of Justice every day determined to do my duty and serve my country. I have done so to the best of my ability, working to support the fundamental legal processes that are the foundation of justice."
Trump later took to Twitter to acknowledge Sessions' resignation, while also announcing that Matthew Whitaker, Sessions' chief of staff, would be taking over as acting attorney general. Though Trump said a permanent replacement will be nominated "at a later date," Whitaker is still expected to begin overseeing the Russia investigation and special counsel Robert Mueller, thus taking over for Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.
....We thank Attorney General Jeff Sessions for his service, and wish him well! A permanent replacement will be nominated at a later date.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 7, 2018
Whitaker, "has been openly critical of Mueller and the investigation and Democrats immediately called on him to recuse himself, just as Sessions had," according to CNN.
In a statement released after Trump's announcement, Whitaker praised Sessions' dedication as a public servant and said he's committed to leading the Justice Department with the "highest ethical standards."
"It is a true honor that the President has confidence in my ability to lead the Department of Justice as Acting Attorney General," the statement read. "I am committed to leading a fair Department with the highest ethical standards, that upholds the rule of law, and seeks justice for all Americans. I will work with our colleagues in Federal, State, local, and tribal leadership, including our partners in law enforcement and our U.S. Attorneys, to ensure the safety of all Americans and the security of the nation. Attorney General Sessions has been a dedicated public servant for over 40 years. It has been a privilege to work under his leadership. He is a man of integrity who has served this nation well."
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell also praised Sessions, though House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said his being forced out was "another blatant attempt" by Trump to "undermine and end" Mueller's investigation.
Given his record of threats to undermine & weaken the Russia investigation, Matthew Whitaker should recuse himself from any involvement in Mueller’s investigation. Congress must take immediate action to protect the rule of law and integrity of the investigation. #FollowTheFacts
— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) November 7, 2018
Whitaker was expected to be sworn in before the end of the day on Wednesday.
