Attorney General Jeff Sessions fired, replaced by loyalist Matthew G. Whitaker

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Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions resigned from his position on Wednesday at request of President Trump.

The United States Attorney General (A.G.) is the chief lawyer of the Federal government of the United States and head of the United States Department of Justice per 28 U.S.C. § 503, concerned with all legal affairs. The Attorney General was first created in 1798 by congress with the Judiciary Act which among other things, created the position. The original duties of this officer were “to prosecute and conduct all suits in the Supreme Court in which the United States shall be concerned, and to give his advice and opinion on questions of law when required by the President of the United States, or when requested by the heads of any of the departments.”

Sessions had recused himself from taking part in the active Mueller investigation due to his role in the President’s 2016 campaign. The campaign, which is under an intense microscope due to possible Russian connections, is being denied by many on Trump’s side and pushed by Democrats, has been the main hitting point for Trump adversaries  since the election in 2016. The investigation, which revolves around possible Russian involvement to influence the 2016 election has been a stain on Trump’s administration.

Matthew G Whitaker, Trump’s new pick, has been vocally supportive of the President and outspoken of the Russian investigation. Many democrats believe that Whitaker’s negative biases on the investigation should force him to recuse himself as well, preventing him from interfering with the ongoing investigation. If he doesn’t, Justice Department advisers may be asked to judge whether or not Gen. Whitaker should. With his new position, however; Whitaker would have the power to impede or undermine the investigation and even block a final report of the findings. For many, this is very concerning because of the implication these findings could have on the president and Government in general.

Trump’s recent firing of Jeff Sessions is just another event in his dramatic but all too real administration. He’s spouted off on Twitter, disrespected people, lies and is now replacing his administration with loyal yes-men. No one knows the future but the way it’s looking now, Trump’s idea of “Making America Great Again” involves lying, scandals and ducking out on Veteran memorials.

Sources:

New York Times

Washington Post

NY Daily News

Image result for whitaker appointment Political cartoon
This cartoon illustrates what many fear about the Whitaker appointment to Attorney General.