<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-will-meet-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-in-vietnam-on-february-27-28-trump-in-state-of-the-union-address-195467">US President Donald Trump</a> said on Sunday that if he could have one "do-over," it would be "personnel" decisions, including naming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-again-blasts-us-attorney-general-sessions-166716">former Senator Jeff Sessions</a> as his first US attorney general.

"I would say if I had one do-over, it would be, I would not have appointed Jeff Sessions to be attorney general ... That was the biggest mistake," Trump said in an interview aired on Sunday with NBC's 'Meet the Press' program.

After almost three years of investigations, Trump's presidency is still clouded by questions surrounding Russian interference to boost his candidacy in the 2016 US elections and his subsequent efforts to impede inquiries into the matter.

Sessions, formerly a Republican senator from Alabama, was one of the earliest Trump administration casualties of the Russian election meddling scandal, which continues to be investigated by committees of the US Congress.

In February 2016, Sessions became the first serving senator to endorse Trump when the New York reality TV star and real estate developer was still a presidential candidate.

Russian intelligence organizations a month later began a cyber campaign aimed at interfering with the 2016 presidential election, according to US intelligence agencies.

During the campaign, Sessions, a close Trump adviser, met with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak. Several others in Trump's inner circle met with Russians during this period, too.

In late July 2016, the FBI began investigating Russian meddling in the election.

After Trump's stunning election victory, Sessions was rewarded for his loyalty by being nominated as the top US law enforcement official and head of the Justice Department.

In January 2017 in Senate confirmation hearings, Sessions said that during the campaign he had no communication with Russians. A month later, he was confirmed as attorney general.

Only two months afterwards Sessions' campaign ties to Kislyak were reported. Democrats accused him of lying to Congress.

In March 2017, Sessions recused himself from the ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the elections, infuriating Trump, who thereafter frequently attacked Sessions.

In May 2017, Special Counsel Robert Mueller was appointed to take over the Russia probe from the FBI.

In November 2018, after months of being publicly ridiculed by Trump, Sessions resigned. He was replaced briefly by Matthew Whitaker until William Barr was confirmed to the job of the attorney general. On Barr, Trump said, "He's brought sanity back."

Mueller's 448-page final report, released in mid-April, found insufficient evidence to establish that the Trump campaign engaged in a criminal conspiracy with Moscow, despite numerous contacts between the campaign and Russia.

The report also described attempts by Trump to impede Mueller's investigation but stopped short of declaring that he committed a crime.

Asked on Sunday if he had read the Mueller report, Trump said, "I read much of it ... I read the conclusion." He again called the allegations that his campaign worked with the Kremlin "a hoax."

Trump told NBC: "I'll be honest with you, nobody even mentions Russia anymore since the Mueller report."

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that if he could have one "do-over," it would be "personnel" decisions, including naming former Senator Jeff Sessions as his first US attorney general.

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that if he could have one "do-over," it would be "personnel" decisions, including naming former Senator Jeff Sessions as his first US attorney general. "I would say if I had one do-over, it would be, I would not have appointed Jeff Sessions to be attorney general ... That was the biggest mistake," Trump said in an interview aired on Sunday with NBC's 'Meet the Press' program. After almost three years of investigations, Trump's presidency is still clouded by questions surrounding Russian interference to boost his candidacy in the 2016 US elections and his subsequent efforts to impede inquiries into the matter. Sessions, formerly a Republican senator from Alabama, was one of the earliest Trump administration casualties of the Russian election meddling scandal, which continues to be investigated by committees of the US Congress. In February 2016, Sessions became the first serving senator to endorse Trump when the New York reality TV star and real estate developer was still a presidential candidate. Russian intelligence organizations a month later began a cyber campaign aimed at interfering with the 2016 presidential election, according to US intelligence agencies. During the campaign, Sessions, a close Trump adviser, met with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak. Several others in Trump's inner circle met with Russians during this period, too. In late July 2016, the FBI began investigating Russian meddling in the election. After Trump's stunning election victory, Sessions was rewarded for his loyalty by being nominated as the top US law enforcement official and head of the Justice Department. In January 2017 in Senate confirmation hearings, Sessions said that during the campaign he had no communication with Russians. A month later, he was confirmed as attorney general. Only two months afterwards Sessions' campaign ties to Kislyak were reported. Democrats accused him of lying to Congress. In March 2017, Sessions recused himself from the ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the elections, infuriating Trump, who thereafter frequently attacked Sessions. In May 2017, Special Counsel Robert Mueller was appointed to take over the Russia probe from the FBI. In November 2018, after months of being publicly ridiculed by Trump, Sessions resigned. He was replaced briefly by Matthew Whitaker until William Barr was confirmed to the job of the attorney general. On Barr, Trump said, "He's brought sanity back." Mueller's 448-page final report, released in mid-April, found insufficient evidence to establish that the Trump campaign engaged in a criminal conspiracy with Moscow, despite numerous contacts between the campaign and Russia. The report also described attempts by Trump to impede Mueller's investigation but stopped short of declaring that he committed a crime. Asked on Sunday if he had read the Mueller report, Trump said, "I read much of it ... I read the conclusion." He again called the allegations that his campaign worked with the Kremlin "a hoax." Trump told NBC: "I'll be honest with you, nobody even mentions Russia anymore since the Mueller report."

Trump admits his 'biggest mistake' was handing Jeff Sessions the attorney general job

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/im-having-a-good-day-says-trump-after-mueller-report-release-211602">US President Donald Trump</a> reacted with dismay when told a special counsel had been appointed to look into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, according to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-tried-to-interfere-with-us-presidential-polls-trump-did-not-cooperate-says-attorney-general-william-barr-while-releasing-full-report-211580">Mueller report published on Thursday</a>.

Trump was informed on May 17, 2017, of the appointment of former FBI director Robert Mueller as special counsel by then-attorney general Jeff Sessions, the report said.

"When Sessions told the president that a special counsel had been appointed, the President slumped back in his chair and said, 'Oh my God. This is terrible. This is the end of my presidency. I'm fucked,"&nbsp;the report said, citing notes from the meeting.

Trump then became angry at Sessions for recusing himself from the Russia investigation because of his prior contacts with Russian officials, it said.

"The president became angry and lambasted the attorney general for his decision to recuse from the investigation, stating 'How could you let this happen, Jeff?'" the report said.

"Everyone tells me if you get one of these independent counsels it ruins your presidency," Trump was quoted as saying. "It takes years and years and I won't be able to do anything.

"This is the worst thing that ever happened to me," Trump added.

In addition to Trump's reaction to Mueller's appointment, the report also provided details of the president's efforts on several occasions to have the special counsel removed.

US President Donald Trump reacted with dismay when told a special counsel had been appointed to look into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, according to the Mueller report published on Thursday.

US President Donald Trump reacted with dismay when told a special counsel had been appointed to look into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, according to the Mueller report published on Thursday. Trump was informed on May 17, 2017, of the appointment of former FBI director Robert Mueller as special counsel by then-attorney general Jeff Sessions, the report said. "When Sessions told the president that a special counsel had been appointed, the President slumped back in his chair and said, 'Oh my God. This is terrible. This is the end of my presidency. I'm fucked," the report said, citing notes from the meeting. Trump then became angry at Sessions for recusing himself from the Russia investigation because of his prior contacts with Russian officials, it said. "The president became angry and lambasted the attorney general for his decision to recuse from the investigation, stating 'How could you let this happen, Jeff?'" the report said. "Everyone tells me if you get one of these independent counsels it ruins your presidency," Trump was quoted as saying. "It takes years and years and I won't be able to do anything. "This is the worst thing that ever happened to me," Trump added. In addition to Trump's reaction to Mueller's appointment, the report also provided details of the president's efforts on several occasions to have the special counsel removed.

'End of my presidency': Trump said on special counsel appointment

Deputy US Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who has overseen the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-calls-claims-about-russian-election-meddling-a-hoax-and-blames-obama-153722">Russian election meddling probe</a>, is set to leave the US Department of Justice in coming weeks as President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the department is set to take over, several US media outlets reported on Wednesday.

Rosenstein has had oversight of the US Special Counsel's probe into alleged Russian interference in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-ridiculous-us-election-meddling-charges-169505">2016 presidential election and possible connections to Trump's campaign</a>. Then-attorney general Jeff Sessions, an early Trump supporter during the presidential campaign, had recused himself.

William Barr, Trump's pick to replace Sessions who was fired soon after the November midterm congressional elections, is set to appear for a confirmation hearing next week before the Senate Judiciary Committee, which must weigh his nomination before the full Senate considers his approval.

ABC News, citing multiple sources familiar with Rosenstein's plans, reported that he intended to leave in the coming weeks as Barr transitioned into the job. Fox News, citing unnamed Justice Department officials, also reported the planned departure in weeks. CNN also reported the move, citing an unnamed source.

Reuters was unable to immediately verify the reports and representatives for the Justice Department could not be immediately reached for comment.

If confirmed, Barr, who was US Attorney General under the late President George H W Bush from 1991 to 1993, would oversee the investigation led by US Special Counsel Robert Mueller, a fellow Republican chosen by Rosenstein.

Barr's nomination is likely to meet heavy scrutiny regarding the ongoing investigation, particularly from Democrats, following reports he had written a memo in June questioning the probe. Rosenstein has said the memo had no impact on the department's work.

Officials told ABC and Fox that Rosenstein had planned to serve as deputy for two years - a milestone that was approaching.

He also wanted to help ensure Barr, if confirmed by the Senate, had a smooth transition, ABC said, citing sources.

Rosenstein has stayed on under Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker, whose controversial appointment has sparked numerous legal challenges and raised questions about what role he would play regarding the investigation.

Rosenstein has been frequently criticized by Trump, who calls the Russia investigation a "witch hunt" and denies any collusion with Moscow. Russia has also denied any election interference.

US intelligence agencies have found that Russia sought to sway the 2016 presidential vote to Trump over Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton.

Deputy US Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who has overseen the Russian election meddling probe, is set to leave the US Department of Justice in coming weeks as President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the department is set to take over, several US media outlets reported on Wednesday.

Deputy US Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who has overseen the Russian election meddling probe, is set to leave the US Department of Justice in coming weeks as President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the department is set to take over, several US media outlets reported on Wednesday. Rosenstein has had oversight of the US Special Counsel's probe into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and possible connections to Trump's campaign. Then-attorney general Jeff Sessions, an early Trump supporter during the presidential campaign, had recused himself. William Barr, Trump's pick to replace Sessions who was fired soon after the November midterm congressional elections, is set to appear for a confirmation hearing next week before the Senate Judiciary Committee, which must weigh his nomination before the full Senate considers his approval. ABC News, citing multiple sources familiar with Rosenstein's plans, reported that he intended to leave in the coming weeks as Barr transitioned into the job. Fox News, citing unnamed Justice Department officials, also reported the planned departure in weeks. CNN also reported the move, citing an unnamed source. Reuters was unable to immediately verify the reports and representatives for the Justice Department could not be immediately reached for comment. If confirmed, Barr, who was US Attorney General under the late President George H W Bush from 1991 to 1993, would oversee the investigation led by US Special Counsel Robert Mueller, a fellow Republican chosen by Rosenstein. Barr's nomination is likely to meet heavy scrutiny regarding the ongoing investigation, particularly from Democrats, following reports he had written a memo in June questioning the probe. Rosenstein has said the memo had no impact on the department's work. Officials told ABC and Fox that Rosenstein had planned to serve as deputy for two years - a milestone that was approaching. He also wanted to help ensure Barr, if confirmed by the Senate, had a smooth transition, ABC said, citing sources. Rosenstein has stayed on under Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker, whose controversial appointment has sparked numerous legal challenges and raised questions about what role he would play regarding the investigation. Rosenstein has been frequently criticized by Trump, who calls the Russia investigation a "witch hunt" and denies any collusion with Moscow. Russia has also denied any election interference. US intelligence agencies have found that Russia sought to sway the 2016 presidential vote to Trump over Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton.

US official overseeing Russia collusion probe to leave: Reports

Donald Trump has <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-ex-lawyer-cohen-cooperating-mueller-probe-166903">transmitted his written responses </a>to questions by special counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election that brought the president to office.

"The president today answered written questions submitted by the Special Counsel's office. The questions presented dealt with issues regarding the Russia-related topics of the inquiry," attorney Jay Sekulow was widely quoted by US media as saying.

"The president responded in writing."

Trump - who has repeatedly criticised Mueller's investigation, which is especially concerned with whether his campaign colluded with Russia - also confirmed that the written answers had been completed.

"The written answers to the witch hunt that's been going on forever - no collusion, no nothing - they've been finished, finished 'em yesterday," Trump told reporters.

"The lawyers have them. I assume they'll turn them in today or soon."

The president had fired attorney general Jeff Sessions earlier this month and temporarily replaced him with Matthew Whitaker, who has been critical of the Mueller investigation.

Donald Trump has transmitted his written responses to questions by special counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election that brought the president to office.

Donald Trump has transmitted his written responses to questions by special counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election that brought the president to office. "The president today answered written questions submitted by the Special Counsel's office. The questions presented dealt with issues regarding the Russia-related topics of the inquiry," attorney Jay Sekulow was widely quoted by US media as saying. "The president responded in writing." Trump - who has repeatedly criticised Mueller's investigation, which is especially concerned with whether his campaign colluded with Russia - also confirmed that the written answers had been completed. "The written answers to the witch hunt that's been going on forever - no collusion, no nothing - they've been finished, finished 'em yesterday," Trump told reporters. "The lawyers have them. I assume they'll turn them in today or soon." The president had fired attorney general Jeff Sessions earlier this month and temporarily replaced him with Matthew Whitaker, who has been critical of the Mueller investigation.

Trump sends written responses to Robert Mueller in Russia probe

Congressional Democrats on Thursday demanded emergency hearings in the US House of Representatives to investigate President Donald Trump's ouster of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, calling the move an effort to undermine a federal probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 US election.

Trump forced the resignation of Sessions on Wednesday, a day after elections in which his fellow Republicans lost control of the House but increased their majority in the Senate.

In a letter saying the move placed the country "in the throes of a constitutional crisis," House Judiciary Committee Democrats demanded action from the panel's Republican Chairman Bob Goodlatte, and called for bipartisan legislation to protect Special Counsel Robert Mueller from any effort to stymie the probe.&nbsp;

A spokeswoman for Goodlatte had no comment on the letter.

Congressional Democrats, including newly elected members of the House of Representatives, held a conference call on Thursday to discuss Sessions' ouster, Democratic lawmakers and aides said.

Mueller is investigating Russia's alleged interference in the 2016 election and any collusion by Trump's campaign. Trump, who denies any collusion, has long complained about the probe, calling it a witch hunt. He had frequently publicly castigated Sessions for recusing himself last year from the case.

During the Thursday conference call, House Democrats said they would attempt to include legislation protecting Mueller's investigation into an appropriations bill that Congress is due to consider later this year.

"This (Sessions' ouster) just makes us all the more want to make sure we have that special counsel protection bill passed or added to any spending bill that may be moving in the (end-of-year) session," said Representative Mark Pocan of Wisconsin.

"We are watching what appears to be continued obstruction by this White House,” Pocan said in a telephone interview. He said Democrats were concerned about what the Trump administration might do next concerning the special counsel probe: "Anyone writing even a dime store novel knows what the next couple of steps are on this."

The office of House Speaker Paul Ryan, a Republican, did not respond to a request for comment on the Democrats' request to put protections for the special counsel probe into spending legislation.

Trump named Sessions' chief of staff, Matthew Whitaker, as acting attorney general, saying he would soon nominate a permanent replacement for review by the Senate.

That drew criticism from Democrats because Whitaker, who would now take over responsibility for overseeing Mueller and his investigation, has been critical of the Mueller probe, saying it should be scaled back.

Separately, House Judiciary Democrats called on Whitaker in a letter to recuse himself and keep the Mueller investigation under the supervision of Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, a career Justice Department official who has given the special counsel full scope to pursue leads. Rosenstein had the role of supervising the probe because of Sessions' recusal.&nbsp;

The Democrats said they also want the Justice Department to protect the integrity of Mueller's investigation and to preserve relevant documents.

"The forced firing of Attorney General Sessions appears to be part of an ongoing pattern of behaviour by the president seeking to undermine (the) investigation into Russian interference," said the letter to Goodlatte, written by Representative Jerrold Nadler, the committee’s top Democrat, and 16 other Democrats who sit on the panel.

Nadler is expected to become House Judiciary chairman when a Democratic House majority, elected in Tuesday’s midterm elections, takes over in the new Congress that convenes in January.

"The president's actions have plunged the country into peril," the Democrats added. "By forcing the firing (of) the attorney general, the president now threatens the rule of law itself."

Bipartisan bills to protect Mueller from politically motivated removal have been introduced in the House and Senate. One was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee in April, making it eligible for a full Senate vote. But no action is expected.

Moscow denies interfering in the 2016 election.

Congressional Democrats on Thursday demanded emergency hearings in the US House of Representatives to investigate President Donald Trump's ouster of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, calling the move an effort to undermine a federal probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 US election.

Congressional Democrats on Thursday demanded emergency hearings in the US House of Representatives to investigate President Donald Trump's ouster of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, calling the move an effort to undermine a federal probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 US election. Trump forced the resignation of Sessions on Wednesday, a day after elections in which his fellow Republicans lost control of the House but increased their majority in the Senate. In a letter saying the move placed the country "in the throes of a constitutional crisis," House Judiciary Committee Democrats demanded action from the panel's Republican Chairman Bob Goodlatte, and called for bipartisan legislation to protect Special Counsel Robert Mueller from any effort to stymie the probe. A spokeswoman for Goodlatte had no comment on the letter. Congressional Democrats, including newly elected members of the House of Representatives, held a conference call on Thursday to discuss Sessions' ouster, Democratic lawmakers and aides said. Mueller is investigating Russia's alleged interference in the 2016 election and any collusion by Trump's campaign. Trump, who denies any collusion, has long complained about the probe, calling it a witch hunt. He had frequently publicly castigated Sessions for recusing himself last year from the case. During the Thursday conference call, House Democrats said they would attempt to include legislation protecting Mueller's investigation into an appropriations bill that Congress is due to consider later this year. "This (Sessions' ouster) just makes us all the more want to make sure we have that special counsel protection bill passed or added to any spending bill that may be moving in the (end-of-year) session," said Representative Mark Pocan of Wisconsin. "We are watching what appears to be continued obstruction by this White House,” Pocan said in a telephone interview. He said Democrats were concerned about what the Trump administration might do next concerning the special counsel probe: "Anyone writing even a dime store novel knows what the next couple of steps are on this." The office of House Speaker Paul Ryan, a Republican, did not respond to a request for comment on the Democrats' request to put protections for the special counsel probe into spending legislation. Trump named Sessions' chief of staff, Matthew Whitaker, as acting attorney general, saying he would soon nominate a permanent replacement for review by the Senate. That drew criticism from Democrats because Whitaker, who would now take over responsibility for overseeing Mueller and his investigation, has been critical of the Mueller probe, saying it should be scaled back. Separately, House Judiciary Democrats called on Whitaker in a letter to recuse himself and keep the Mueller investigation under the supervision of Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, a career Justice Department official who has given the special counsel full scope to pursue leads. Rosenstein had the role of supervising the probe because of Sessions' recusal. The Democrats said they also want the Justice Department to protect the integrity of Mueller's investigation and to preserve relevant documents. "The forced firing of Attorney General Sessions appears to be part of an ongoing pattern of behaviour by the president seeking to undermine (the) investigation into Russian interference," said the letter to Goodlatte, written by Representative Jerrold Nadler, the committee’s top Democrat, and 16 other Democrats who sit on the panel. Nadler is expected to become House Judiciary chairman when a Democratic House majority, elected in Tuesday’s midterm elections, takes over in the new Congress that convenes in January. "The president's actions have plunged the country into peril," the Democrats added. "By forcing the firing (of) the attorney general, the president now threatens the rule of law itself." Bipartisan bills to protect Mueller from politically motivated removal have been introduced in the House and Senate. One was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee in April, making it eligible for a full Senate vote. But no action is expected. Moscow denies interfering in the 2016 election.

United States: Democrats seek hearings on Donald Trump's ouster of Jeff Sessions

President Donald Trump on Wednesday fired Attorney General Jeff Sessions a day after a heated midterm vote, naming a loyalist to replace him in a move that raises questions over the future of the Russia investigation.

The axing capped more than a year of bitter criticism by the president over his legal advisor's decision to recuse himself from the probe into Moscow's interference in the 2016 election, paving the way for the appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

In announcing the resignation in a tweet that thanked the former Alabama senator "for his service" -- Trump right away named as acting attorney general Sessions' chief of staff, Matthew Whitaker.

The announcement set off immediate alarm bells: Whitaker has been overtly critical of the broad scope granted to Mueller's team to probe beyond allegations that Trump's campaign colluded with Russia in 2016, into other ties between Trump, his family and aides, and Russia -- an investigation the president calls a "witch hunt."

In an op-ed in August last year he publicly urged Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein -- who oversees the probe -- to "limit the scope of his investigation to the four corners of the order appointing him special counsel."

As acting attorney general, Whitaker now has the power to wrest oversight away from Rosenstein and take charge himself.

Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer immediately called on Whitaker to recuse himself from the probe as his predecessor had, "given his previous comments advocating defunding and imposing limitations" on it.

Senator Bernie Sanders, a former presidential hopeful, went further, tweeting that "any attempt by the president or the Justice Department to interfere with Mueller's probe would be an obstruction of justice and impeachable offense."

First casualty after midterms

They were joined in their demands by Republican Mitt Romney, a former presidential candidate and frequent Trump critic who won a US Senate seat in Tuesday's midterm.

Thanking Sessions for his service, Romney said that it was "imperative that the important work of the Justice Department continues, and that the Mueller investigation proceeds to its conclusion unimpeded."

Whitaker himself meanwhile offered little clue about his intentions in a bland statement to reporters that praised his former boss as a "dedicated public servant" and said he would work to leading a department that conformed to the "highest ethical standards."&nbsp;

Sessions was the first casualty of a cabinet shakeup that had been expected from Trump following the midterm elections where his Republican party lost control of the House of Representatives but retained the Senate.

But his departure was anticipated since early this year, after he endured withering and repeated criticism from the president over the legally troubled ban on Muslim travelers Trump sought when he came into office, and over the Mueller probe.

"At your request, I am submitting my resignation," Sessions said in the first line of a letter addressed to Trump, released by the Department of Justice. 
&nbsp;Trump's first backer -

Sessions was the first US senator to back Trump's presidential run in 2016, giving the New York real estate billionaire credibility against a broad field of Republican stalwarts.

The two were reportedly brought together by a shared wish to crack down on immigration.&nbsp;

After taking office in January 2017, the former prosecutor launched tough law-and-order policies and a broad ban on Muslim travelers promised by Trump during the campaign.

He was in the vanguard of administration pushes to expand the ranks of federal law enforcement, fill courts with conservative judges, and crack down on Central American gangs such as MS-13.

But the president was infuriated when in March 2017 Sessions recused himself from the nascent Russia investigation, because of his own Russian contacts during the 2016 campaign. Instead, he gave Rosenstein that authority.&nbsp;

When Trump weeks later fired FBI director James Comey in anger at the Russia investigation, Rosenstein stunned the administration by naming Mueller, a former FBI chief, to lead the probe as an independent prosecutor.

That structure, with Sessions recused and Rosenstein supervising Mueller, has insulated the investigation from outside interference. 
Still, Trump has repeatedly accused Mueller of running an illegal investigation staffed by Democrats and threatened to shut it down.

Indictments looming

Matters though were clearly coming to a head after Mueller racked up indictments against 34 people and three companies, in direct and spinoff cases. Eight guilty pleas have resulted, and one jury trial conviction.

Most notably, several top Trump aides have agreed to cooperate: former national security advisor Michael Flynn; former campaign chair Paul Manafort; former vice chair Richard Gates; and former Trump Organization vice president Michael Cohen, a lawyer who used to work as Trump's personal fixer.

Mueller was expected to unveil in the coming weeks new indictments, possibly against 2016 campaign consultant Roger Stone and Trump's son Donald Jr.

Moreover, Mueller's team and the White House have been haggling for months over whether the president himself would answer questions. Mueller is known to be examining whether Trump obstructed justice in firing Comey -- and other acts.

In addition, the White House has shown concern that Mueller is investigating the finances of the Trump Organization, and links to Russia.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump on Wednesday fired Attorney General Jeff Sessions a day after a heated midterm vote, naming a loyalist to replace him in a move that raises questions over the future of the Russia investigation.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday fired Attorney General Jeff Sessions a day after a heated midterm vote, naming a loyalist to replace him in a move that raises questions over the future of the Russia investigation. The axing capped more than a year of bitter criticism by the president over his legal advisor's decision to recuse himself from the probe into Moscow's interference in the 2016 election, paving the way for the appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller. In announcing the resignation in a tweet that thanked the former Alabama senator "for his service" -- Trump right away named as acting attorney general Sessions' chief of staff, Matthew Whitaker. The announcement set off immediate alarm bells: Whitaker has been overtly critical of the broad scope granted to Mueller's team to probe beyond allegations that Trump's campaign colluded with Russia in 2016, into other ties between Trump, his family and aides, and Russia -- an investigation the president calls a "witch hunt." In an op-ed in August last year he publicly urged Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein -- who oversees the probe -- to "limit the scope of his investigation to the four corners of the order appointing him special counsel." As acting attorney general, Whitaker now has the power to wrest oversight away from Rosenstein and take charge himself. Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer immediately called on Whitaker to recuse himself from the probe as his predecessor had, "given his previous comments advocating defunding and imposing limitations" on it. Senator Bernie Sanders, a former presidential hopeful, went further, tweeting that "any attempt by the president or the Justice Department to interfere with Mueller's probe would be an obstruction of justice and impeachable offense." First casualty after midterms They were joined in their demands by Republican Mitt Romney, a former presidential candidate and frequent Trump critic who won a US Senate seat in Tuesday's midterm. Thanking Sessions for his service, Romney said that it was "imperative that the important work of the Justice Department continues, and that the Mueller investigation proceeds to its conclusion unimpeded." Whitaker himself meanwhile offered little clue about his intentions in a bland statement to reporters that praised his former boss as a "dedicated public servant" and said he would work to leading a department that conformed to the "highest ethical standards." Sessions was the first casualty of a cabinet shakeup that had been expected from Trump following the midterm elections where his Republican party lost control of the House of Representatives but retained the Senate. But his departure was anticipated since early this year, after he endured withering and repeated criticism from the president over the legally troubled ban on Muslim travelers Trump sought when he came into office, and over the Mueller probe. "At your request, I am submitting my resignation," Sessions said in the first line of a letter addressed to Trump, released by the Department of Justice. Trump's first backer - Sessions was the first US senator to back Trump's presidential run in 2016, giving the New York real estate billionaire credibility against a broad field of Republican stalwarts. The two were reportedly brought together by a shared wish to crack down on immigration. After taking office in January 2017, the former prosecutor launched tough law-and-order policies and a broad ban on Muslim travelers promised by Trump during the campaign. He was in the vanguard of administration pushes to expand the ranks of federal law enforcement, fill courts with conservative judges, and crack down on Central American gangs such as MS-13. But the president was infuriated when in March 2017 Sessions recused himself from the nascent Russia investigation, because of his own Russian contacts during the 2016 campaign. Instead, he gave Rosenstein that authority. When Trump weeks later fired FBI director James Comey in anger at the Russia investigation, Rosenstein stunned the administration by naming Mueller, a former FBI chief, to lead the probe as an independent prosecutor. That structure, with Sessions recused and Rosenstein supervising Mueller, has insulated the investigation from outside interference. Still, Trump has repeatedly accused Mueller of running an illegal investigation staffed by Democrats and threatened to shut it down. Indictments looming Matters though were clearly coming to a head after Mueller racked up indictments against 34 people and three companies, in direct and spinoff cases. Eight guilty pleas have resulted, and one jury trial conviction. Most notably, several top Trump aides have agreed to cooperate: former national security advisor Michael Flynn; former campaign chair Paul Manafort; former vice chair Richard Gates; and former Trump Organization vice president Michael Cohen, a lawyer who used to work as Trump's personal fixer. Mueller was expected to unveil in the coming weeks new indictments, possibly against 2016 campaign consultant Roger Stone and Trump's son Donald Jr. Moreover, Mueller's team and the White House have been haggling for months over whether the president himself would answer questions. Mueller is known to be examining whether Trump obstructed justice in firing Comey -- and other acts. In addition, the White House has shown concern that Mueller is investigating the finances of the Trump Organization, and links to Russia.

Fears for Russia probe as Trump fires Jeff Sessions

Just a day after US midterm polls, Attorney General <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/fears-for-russia-probe-as-trump-fires-jeff-sessions-176156">Jeff Sessions was fired from the Trump administration</a>. US President Donald Trump on Thursday tweeted out announcing the same, thanking Sessions for his service. Sessions is the latest to hop on the bandwagon of this year's White House exits.

Sessions' exit closely followed former US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley's resignation who put down her papers in October. Trump said that she had done a "fantastic job" and would leave at the end of the year.

"She told me probably six months ago," Trump told reporters, adding that she told him that "I want to take a little time off."

"Nikki Haley, ambassador to the United Nations, has been very special to me. She has done an incredible job. She is a fantastic person, very importantly, but she also is somebody who gets it. She has been at the United Nations from the beginning with us, right from the beginning, and worked with us on the campaign," the US president said.

Both these exits have joined over two dozens more US diplomats who called it quits at the White House this year, or were forced out.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
....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) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1060256623439110146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Besides Former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's firing in March, the Trump administration asked over a dozen more diplomats to leave this year or had them replaced. Some of the names on the list include FBI Deputy Director&nbsp;Andrew McCabe, Deputy National Security Adviser for Strategy Nadia Schadlow, Homeland Security Adviser Tom Bossert and National Security Adviser HR McMaster.

Scores of top US officials resigned in 2018, some of the prominent names included White House Counsel Donald McGahn, White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations Joe Hagin, White House Special Counsel Ty Cobb, and Trump's lead lawyer John Dowd, among a few others.

Trump has often outsourced the job of booting employees to his chief of staff - and then announced the departures via Twitter, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

When Trump decided to fire FBI chief James Comey, the White House released a letter from the president to Comey on May 9, 2017 explaining that he was being dismissed on the recommendation of Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.

On Kelly's first day on the job as chief of staff on July 31, 2017, Trump directed him to fire Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci, who had been in the job for a mere 10 days.

According to a Reuters report, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was travelling in Africa when he heard by phone from Kelly that the axe was coming, and so cut his trip short. Trump made the firing official via an early morning Twitter post a few days later on March 13, 2018, and then followed up with a phone call to Tillerson that afternoon. The decision came after months of tension between the two men and reports Tillerson had privately called Trump a "moron."

"Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, will become our new Secretary of State. He will do a fantastic job! Thank you to Rex Tillerson for his service! Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA, and the first woman so chosen. Congratulations to all!," Trump tweeted out on March 13.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, will become our new Secretary of State. He will do a fantastic job! Thank you to Rex Tillerson for his service! Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA, and the first woman so chosen. Congratulations to all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/973540316656623616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

US media reported the same stating that Tillerson learnt about his dismissal only after he saw Trump's tweet.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump's administration has been marred by a series of top officials' exits. With Sessions' leaving right after the midterms, the shake-up at the Department of Justice has raised concerns about the ongoing probe of Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Democrats captured the House in the midterms and have their agenda set on achieving better healthcare infrastructure and pronouncing more trouble for the US President, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/newly-emboldened-democrats-want-healthcare-protected-and-trump-impeached-poll-176262">probably eyeing his impeachment</a>.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Just a day after US midterm polls, Attorney General Jeff Sessions was fired from the Trump administration. US President Donald Trump on Thursday tweeted out announcing the same, thanking Sessions for his service.

Just a day after US midterm polls, Attorney General Jeff Sessions was fired from the Trump administration. US President Donald Trump on Thursday tweeted out announcing the same, thanking Sessions for his service. Sessions is the latest to hop on the bandwagon of this year's White House exits. Sessions' exit closely followed former US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley's resignation who put down her papers in October. Trump said that she had done a "fantastic job" and would leave at the end of the year. "She told me probably six months ago," Trump told reporters, adding that she told him that "I want to take a little time off." "Nikki Haley, ambassador to the United Nations, has been very special to me. She has done an incredible job. She is a fantastic person, very importantly, but she also is somebody who gets it. She has been at the United Nations from the beginning with us, right from the beginning, and worked with us on the campaign," the US president said. Both these exits have joined over two dozens more US diplomats who called it quits at the White House this year, or were forced out. ....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 × Besides Former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's firing in March, the Trump administration asked over a dozen more diplomats to leave this year or had them replaced. Some of the names on the list include FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, Deputy National Security Adviser for Strategy Nadia Schadlow, Homeland Security Adviser Tom Bossert and National Security Adviser HR McMaster. Scores of top US officials resigned in 2018, some of the prominent names included White House Counsel Donald McGahn, White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations Joe Hagin, White House Special Counsel Ty Cobb, and Trump's lead lawyer John Dowd, among a few others. Trump has often outsourced the job of booting employees to his chief of staff - and then announced the departures via Twitter, news agency Reuters reported. When Trump decided to fire FBI chief James Comey, the White House released a letter from the president to Comey on May 9, 2017 explaining that he was being dismissed on the recommendation of Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. On Kelly's first day on the job as chief of staff on July 31, 2017, Trump directed him to fire Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci, who had been in the job for a mere 10 days. According to a Reuters report, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was travelling in Africa when he heard by phone from Kelly that the axe was coming, and so cut his trip short. Trump made the firing official via an early morning Twitter post a few days later on March 13, 2018, and then followed up with a phone call to Tillerson that afternoon. The decision came after months of tension between the two men and reports Tillerson had privately called Trump a "moron." "Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, will become our new Secretary of State. He will do a fantastic job! Thank you to Rex Tillerson for his service! Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA, and the first woman so chosen. Congratulations to all!," Trump tweeted out on March 13. Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, will become our new Secretary of State. He will do a fantastic job! Thank you to Rex Tillerson for his service! Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA, and the first woman so chosen. Congratulations to all! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 13, 2018 × US media reported the same stating that Tillerson learnt about his dismissal only after he saw Trump's tweet. President Donald Trump's administration has been marred by a series of top officials' exits. With Sessions' leaving right after the midterms, the shake-up at the Department of Justice has raised concerns about the ongoing probe of Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Meanwhile, the Democrats captured the House in the midterms and have their agenda set on achieving better healthcare infrastructure and pronouncing more trouble for the US President, probably eyeing his impeachment.

Shake-up in Trump administration: Big White House dismissals and resignations of 2018

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-fires-attorney-general-jeff-sessions-vows-to-fight-democrats-if-they-launch-probes-176119">Trump fires Attorney General Jeff Sessions, vows to fight Democrats if they launch probes</a>

President Donald Trump on Wednesday forced out Attorney General Jeff Sessions a day after congressional elections, and vowed to fight if the US House of Representatives' new Democratic majority&nbsp;launches probes into his administration.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-revokes-press-pass-of-cnn-reporter-after-furious-exchange-with-trump-176127">White House revokes CNN reporter's press pass after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-revokes-press-pass-of-cnn-reporter-after-furious-exchange-with-trump-176127">furious</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-revokes-press-pass-of-cnn-reporter-after-furious-exchange-with-trump-176127"> exchange with Trump</a>

White House has barred CNN reporter, Jim Acosta, after a heated exchange when a visibly angry US President Donald Trump called the former "enemy of the people" and a "terrible person" after being asked why he "demonized immigrants"

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-christian-woman-asia-bibi-leaves-jail-flies-out-of-multan-176122">Pakistani Christian woman Asia Bibi leaves jail, flies out of Multan</a>

A Pakistani Christian woman who spent eight years on death row for blasphemy has been freed from jail and is believed to have already flown out of the city of Multan where she was being held, heading for an unknown destination, her lawyer said Thursday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-christian-woman-asia-bibi-leaves-jail-flies-out-of-multan-176122">Delhi chokes after Diwali as several places record AQI at 999</a>

A day after Diwali a thick haze engulfed the national capital region which recorded an overall Air Quality Index of 319. The AQI at several other places in the national capital reached 999 marks falling in the hazardous category.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fuel-prices-down-again-petrol-at-rs-7821-per-litre-in-delhi-8372-per-litre-in-mumbai-176126">Fuel prices down again, petrol at Rs 78.21 per litre in Delhi, Rs 83.72 per litre in Mumbai</a>

Fuel prices in the country continued to decline on Thursday with prices of petrol reaching Rs 78.21 per litre in Delhi and Rs 83.72 per litre in Mumbai. While petrol reduced by 21 paise in Delhi and 20 paise in Mumbai, diesel witnessed a reduction of 18 paise in the national capital and 19 paise in Mumbai.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Trump fires Attorney General Jeff Sessions, vows to fight Democrats if they launch probes President Donald Trump on Wednesday forced out Attorney General Jeff Sessions a day after congressional elections, and vowed to fight if the US House of Representatives' new Democratic majority launches probes into his administration.

Trump fires Attorney General Jeff Sessions, vows to fight Democrats if they launch probes President Donald Trump on Wednesday forced out Attorney General Jeff Sessions a day after congressional elections, and vowed to fight if the US House of Representatives' new Democratic majority launches probes into his administration. White House revokes CNN reporter's press pass after furious exchange with Trump White House has barred CNN reporter, Jim Acosta, after a heated exchange when a visibly angry US President Donald Trump called the former "enemy of the people" and a "terrible person" after being asked why he "demonized immigrants" Pakistani Christian woman Asia Bibi leaves jail, flies out of Multan A Pakistani Christian woman who spent eight years on death row for blasphemy has been freed from jail and is believed to have already flown out of the city of Multan where she was being held, heading for an unknown destination, her lawyer said Thursday. Delhi chokes after Diwali as several places record AQI at 999 A day after Diwali a thick haze engulfed the national capital region which recorded an overall Air Quality Index of 319. The AQI at several other places in the national capital reached 999 marks falling in the hazardous category. Fuel prices down again, petrol at Rs 78.21 per litre in Delhi, Rs 83.72 per litre in Mumbai Fuel prices in the country continued to decline on Thursday with prices of petrol reaching Rs 78.21 per litre in Delhi and Rs 83.72 per litre in Mumbai. While petrol reduced by 21 paise in Delhi and 20 paise in Mumbai, diesel witnessed a reduction of 18 paise in the national capital and 19 paise in Mumbai.

News brief: Big stories of the day

WION Dispatch: Donald Trump fires US Attorney General Jeff Sessions

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-fires-attorney-general-jeff-sessions-vows-to-fight-democrats-if-they-launch-probes-176119">ouster of Attorney General</a> Jeff Sessions by President Donald Trump on Wednesday drew sharp criticism from Democrats, who warned Trump against moving to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-faces-a-blitz-of-investigations-from-democratic-run-house-176101">squash a probe</a> of Russian <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-calls-new-us-election-meddling-claim-hysteria-156757?first_load=no">meddling in the 2016 US presidential</a> election.

The probe, led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller under the supervision of the Justice Department, has clouded the Trump presidency. The president had<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-again-blasts-us-attorney-general-sessions-166716"> long complained about Sessions</a> recusing himself from supervising Mueller.

Democrats raised concerns about <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-attacks-attorney-general-sessions-for-filing-charges-against-two-partymen-163434&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiCqPjV0cPeAhXFo48KHX95CvwQFggXMAY&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw00Z20uQldBP6MdG0_zpQS6">Sessions</a>' acting replacement, Matthew Whitaker, who now oversees Mueller and once argued Mueller's probe was going too far. They also questioned whether the removal of the top US law enforcement officer was an attempt to undermine or end the investigation.

"Congress must take bipartisan action to protect the integrity of Special Counsel Mueller's investigation," said Steny Hoyer, the No. 2 Democrat in the House of Representatives, hours after Democrats won a House majority in Tuesday's elections.

If Sessions' departure was an "opening move" by Trump to meddle in Mueller’s investigation, Hoyer said in a statement, "the president must be held accountable."

Asked if Whitaker would now oversee Mueller, a Justice Department spokeswoman said: "The acting attorney general is in charge of all matters under the purview of the Department of Justice."

A spokesman for Mueller's office declined to comment on Sessions' departure. Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani told Reuters on Tuesday that he assumed it was "not going to affect" the Mueller investigation.

Justice Department rules on special counsels set boundaries on how Mueller could be removed. Under those rules, he could only be discharged for good cause, such as misconduct or dereliction of duty, such as violating department policy.

Mueller is investigating if Trump's campaign colluded with Russia, and whether Trump unlawfully tried to obstruct the probe, along with possible financial misconduct by Trump's family and associates.

The special counsel has brought charges against Trump's former campaign chairman and other campaign figures, along with 25 Russians and three firms accused of meddling in the campaign to help Trump win.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/factbox-seven-takeaways-from-the-us-congressional-elections-176061">Factbox: Seven takeaways from US congressional elections</a>

Trump has denied his campaign colluded with Russia.

Recusal demand

In a Twitter message, the medium he often uses for dismissing subordinates, Trump said he had replaced Sessions with Whitaker, who will be acting attorney general. Whitaker was previously Sessions' chief of staff.

Sessions said in a letter to Trump that he had resigned at the president's request.

Some Democrats quickly demanded that Whitaker should recuse himself from supervising Mueller, as Sessions did because Whitaker wrote an opinion piece for CNN in August 2017 that argued Mueller had too much latitude in his investigation.

The Mueller probe should not extend to the finances of Trump, his family or their business, the Trump Organization, he argued.

"Given his previous comments advocating defunding and imposing limitations on the Mueller investigation, Mr. Whitaker should recuse himself from its oversight for the duration of his time as acting attorney general,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement.

Democratic Representative Jerrold Nadler, expected to chair the House Judiciary Committee starting in January, said removing Sessions fit Trump's pattern of interfering in the work of the Justice Department and Mueller.

"Donald Trump may think he has the power to hire and fire whomever he pleases, but he cannot take such action if it is determined that it is for the purposes of subverting the rule of law and obstructing justice," Nadler said in a statement.

Republican Mitt Romney, the party's 2012 presidential nominee who was elected on Tuesday to the US Senate from Utah, also said Mueller's probe should not be affected by Sessions' departure.

"Under Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, it is imperative that the important work of the Justice Department continues, and that the Mueller investigation proceeds to its conclusion unimpeded," he said on Twitter.

Harsh attacks

Never in modern history has a president attacked a Cabinet member as frequently and harshly in public as Trump did Sessions, 71, who had been one of the first members of Congress to back his presidential campaign in 2015.

Trump was only a few weeks into his presidency in March 2017 when Sessions upset him by stepping aside from overseeing an FBI probe of potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Moscow, citing news reports of previously undisclosed meetings he had with Russia's ambassador to Washington for his recusal.

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein took over supervision of the Russia investigation. He appointed Mueller in May 2017 as the Justice Department's special counsel to take control of the FBI's Russia probe after Trump fired FBI Director James Comey.

Despite Trump's criticism, Sessions aggressively carried out the administration's conservative policies. He sought to strip federal funding from so-called sanctuary cities and states, typically governed by Democrats, that he accused of sheltering illegal immigrants from deportation.

He also announced Trump's decision to rescind protections for young adults brought into the country illegally as children and backed Trump's ban on people from several Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States.

A permanent replacement for Sessions must be confirmed by the Senate, which Trump's Republicans will continue to control as a result of Tuesday's midterm elections.

The ouster of Attorney General Jeff Sessions by President Donald Trump on Wednesday drew sharp criticism from Democrats, who warned Trump against moving to squash a probe of Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election.

The ouster of Attorney General Jeff Sessions by President Donald Trump on Wednesday drew sharp criticism from Democrats, who warned Trump against moving to squash a probe of Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election. The probe, led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller under the supervision of the Justice Department, has clouded the Trump presidency. The president had long complained about Sessions recusing himself from supervising Mueller. Democrats raised concerns about Sessions' acting replacement, Matthew Whitaker, who now oversees Mueller and once argued Mueller's probe was going too far. They also questioned whether the removal of the top US law enforcement officer was an attempt to undermine or end the investigation. "Congress must take bipartisan action to protect the integrity of Special Counsel Mueller's investigation," said Steny Hoyer, the No. 2 Democrat in the House of Representatives, hours after Democrats won a House majority in Tuesday's elections. If Sessions' departure was an "opening move" by Trump to meddle in Mueller’s investigation, Hoyer said in a statement, "the president must be held accountable." Asked if Whitaker would now oversee Mueller, a Justice Department spokeswoman said: "The acting attorney general is in charge of all matters under the purview of the Department of Justice." A spokesman for Mueller's office declined to comment on Sessions' departure. Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani told Reuters on Tuesday that he assumed it was "not going to affect" the Mueller investigation. Justice Department rules on special counsels set boundaries on how Mueller could be removed. Under those rules, he could only be discharged for good cause, such as misconduct or dereliction of duty, such as violating department policy. Mueller is investigating if Trump's campaign colluded with Russia, and whether Trump unlawfully tried to obstruct the probe, along with possible financial misconduct by Trump's family and associates. The special counsel has brought charges against Trump's former campaign chairman and other campaign figures, along with 25 Russians and three firms accused of meddling in the campaign to help Trump win. Also read: Factbox: Seven takeaways from US congressional elections Trump has denied his campaign colluded with Russia. Recusal demand In a Twitter message, the medium he often uses for dismissing subordinates, Trump said he had replaced Sessions with Whitaker, who will be acting attorney general. Whitaker was previously Sessions' chief of staff. Sessions said in a letter to Trump that he had resigned at the president's request. Some Democrats quickly demanded that Whitaker should recuse himself from supervising Mueller, as Sessions did because Whitaker wrote an opinion piece for CNN in August 2017 that argued Mueller had too much latitude in his investigation. The Mueller probe should not extend to the finances of Trump, his family or their business, the Trump Organization, he argued. "Given his previous comments advocating defunding and imposing limitations on the Mueller investigation, Mr. Whitaker should recuse himself from its oversight for the duration of his time as acting attorney general,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement. Democratic Representative Jerrold Nadler, expected to chair the House Judiciary Committee starting in January, said removing Sessions fit Trump's pattern of interfering in the work of the Justice Department and Mueller. "Donald Trump may think he has the power to hire and fire whomever he pleases, but he cannot take such action if it is determined that it is for the purposes of subverting the rule of law and obstructing justice," Nadler said in a statement. Republican Mitt Romney, the party's 2012 presidential nominee who was elected on Tuesday to the US Senate from Utah, also said Mueller's probe should not be affected by Sessions' departure. "Under Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, it is imperative that the important work of the Justice Department continues, and that the Mueller investigation proceeds to its conclusion unimpeded," he said on Twitter. Harsh attacks Never in modern history has a president attacked a Cabinet member as frequently and harshly in public as Trump did Sessions, 71, who had been one of the first members of Congress to back his presidential campaign in 2015. Trump was only a few weeks into his presidency in March 2017 when Sessions upset him by stepping aside from overseeing an FBI probe of potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Moscow, citing news reports of previously undisclosed meetings he had with Russia's ambassador to Washington for his recusal. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein took over supervision of the Russia investigation. He appointed Mueller in May 2017 as the Justice Department's special counsel to take control of the FBI's Russia probe after Trump fired FBI Director James Comey. Despite Trump's criticism, Sessions aggressively carried out the administration's conservative policies. He sought to strip federal funding from so-called sanctuary cities and states, typically governed by Democrats, that he accused of sheltering illegal immigrants from deportation. He also announced Trump's decision to rescind protections for young adults brought into the country illegally as children and backed Trump's ban on people from several Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States. A permanent replacement for Sessions must be confirmed by the Senate, which Trump's Republicans will continue to control as a result of Tuesday's midterm elections.

Democrats warn Trump after Attorney General Sessions forced out

'You're fired!': how Trump has dismissed White House staff

Before he became US president, Donald Trump was famous for dismissing contestants on his television show "The Apprentice" with a resounding "You're fired!"

But at the White House, he has often outsourced the job of booting employees to his chief of staff - and then announced the departures via Twitter.

On Wednesday, he tweeted that Attorney General Jeff Sessions was out. Sessions is the latest in a series of people to leave Trump's administration.

Trump soured on Sessions after the former senator recused himself from overseeing the FBI's probe of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. In one of his first orders of business after the Nov. 6 congressional elections, Trump tweeted that Sessions had been replaced, and thanked him for his service. Kelly had phoned Sessions earlier with the news. Sessions said in a letter to Trump that he had resigned at the president's request.

When Trump decided to fire FBI chief James Comey, the White House released a letter from the president to Comey on May 9, 2017 explaining that he was being dismissed on the recommendation of Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. Comey learned of the letter from TV news reports that aired while he was speaking to his staff in Los Angeles. Trump later said Comey's firing was because of "this Russia thing." The firing led to Rosenstein's naming of Robert Mueller as special counsel.

From Air Force One at the end of a day trip to Long Island, New York, on July 28, 2017, Trump tweeted that he had replaced his chief of staff Reince Priebus with John Kelly. Priebus had been on the flight too. "Reince is a good man," Trump told reporters waiting on the tarmac in pouring rain.

On Kelly's first day on the job as chief of staff on July 31, 2017, Trump directed him to fire Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci, who had been in the job for a mere 10 days, because of obscene comments he made in an interview with the New Yorker. The White House said Kelly wanted a "clean slate."

Omarosa Manigault Newman rose to fame on Trump's reality television show and joined him at the White House in the Office of Public Liaison. She recorded Kelly firing her in the Situation Room on December 13, 2017 and later played it on television as she promoted a tell-all book about chaos in the White House. Trump reacted to the book by calling her a "dog" on Twitter.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was traveling in Africa when he heard by phone from Kelly that the ax was coming, and so cut his trip short. Trump made the firing official via an early morning Twitter post a few days later on March 13, 2018 and then followed up with a phone call to Tillerson that afternoon. The decision came after months of tension between the two men and reports Tillerson had privately called Trump a "moron."

Trump frequently clashed with National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster, and the two "mutually agreed" it was the right time to go, the White House said on March 22, 2018. Trump announced his replacement, John Bolton, in a tweet.

White House officials said Trump got tired of negative headlines about Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin's travel expenses and infighting within the VA. Shulkin said in an interview with MSNBC that Kelly told him he was fired just before Trump tweeted the news on March 28, 2018 - and that Trump had failed to mention it during a phone conversation only hours earlier.

'You're fired!': how Trump has dismissed White House staff Before he became US president, Donald Trump was famous for dismissing contestants on his television show "The Apprentice" with a resounding "You're fired!

'You're fired!': how Trump has dismissed White House staff Before he became US president, Donald Trump was famous for dismissing contestants on his television show "The Apprentice" with a resounding "You're fired!" But at the White House, he has often outsourced the job of booting employees to his chief of staff - and then announced the departures via Twitter. On Wednesday, he tweeted that Attorney General Jeff Sessions was out. Sessions is the latest in a series of people to leave Trump's administration. Trump soured on Sessions after the former senator recused himself from overseeing the FBI's probe of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. In one of his first orders of business after the Nov. 6 congressional elections, Trump tweeted that Sessions had been replaced, and thanked him for his service. Kelly had phoned Sessions earlier with the news. Sessions said in a letter to Trump that he had resigned at the president's request. When Trump decided to fire FBI chief James Comey, the White House released a letter from the president to Comey on May 9, 2017 explaining that he was being dismissed on the recommendation of Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. Comey learned of the letter from TV news reports that aired while he was speaking to his staff in Los Angeles. Trump later said Comey's firing was because of "this Russia thing." The firing led to Rosenstein's naming of Robert Mueller as special counsel. From Air Force One at the end of a day trip to Long Island, New York, on July 28, 2017, Trump tweeted that he had replaced his chief of staff Reince Priebus with John Kelly. Priebus had been on the flight too. "Reince is a good man," Trump told reporters waiting on the tarmac in pouring rain. On Kelly's first day on the job as chief of staff on July 31, 2017, Trump directed him to fire Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci, who had been in the job for a mere 10 days, because of obscene comments he made in an interview with the New Yorker. The White House said Kelly wanted a "clean slate." Omarosa Manigault Newman rose to fame on Trump's reality television show and joined him at the White House in the Office of Public Liaison. She recorded Kelly firing her in the Situation Room on December 13, 2017 and later played it on television as she promoted a tell-all book about chaos in the White House. Trump reacted to the book by calling her a "dog" on Twitter. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was traveling in Africa when he heard by phone from Kelly that the ax was coming, and so cut his trip short. Trump made the firing official via an early morning Twitter post a few days later on March 13, 2018 and then followed up with a phone call to Tillerson that afternoon. The decision came after months of tension between the two men and reports Tillerson had privately called Trump a "moron." Trump frequently clashed with National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster, and the two "mutually agreed" it was the right time to go, the White House said on March 22, 2018. Trump announced his replacement, John Bolton, in a tweet. White House officials said Trump got tired of negative headlines about Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin's travel expenses and infighting within the VA. Shulkin said in an interview with MSNBC that Kelly told him he was fired just before Trump tweeted the news on March 28, 2018 - and that Trump had failed to mention it during a phone conversation only hours earlier.

'You're fired!': How Trump has dismissed White House staff

Donald Trump fires Attorney General Jeff Sessions

Turkey and the United States on Friday lifted sanctions against each others' ministers, Ankara's foreign ministry said, as tensions ease between the NATO allies.

In a parallel move to the US Treasury's decision to remove sanctions against the Turkish justice and interior ministers, ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said it would do the same for US Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen.

Ankara-Washington relations have been strained since the July 2016 failed coup but were hurt further by Turkey's two-year detention of an American pastor.&nbsp;

The tit-for-tat sanctions were implemented in August during one of the worst diplomatic spats between the NATO allies after a court in the western province of Izmir refused to release Pastor Andrew Brunson and instead placed him under house arrest on July 25.

But ties have improved since Brunson's release on October 12 and his return to the US.

The US sanctions targeted Turkish Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul and Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu under the 2016 Global Magnitsky Act named after Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, who died in a Moscow jail.

The act allows the US to sanction foreign officials implicated in rights abuses.

The US Treasury department on Friday said on its website that Gul and Soylu had been removed from a list of sanctioned individuals.

But President Donald Trump had also doubled tariffs on Turkish aluminium and steel over Brunson's detention in August, which badly hurt the Turkish lira.

At one point during the row, the lira reached seven against the US dollar. Since mid-October, but it has rallied and by 1415 GMT Friday, the currency had gained over 1.4 per cent against the greenback to &nbsp;5.41.

Ties have been cooler between Ankara and Washington over the US failure to extradite a Pennsylvania-based Muslim preacher Turkey says ordered the coup bid and American support for a Kurdish militia in Syria against the Islamic State group.

Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday spoke over the phone about Syria after the two countries began joint patrols in the northern Syrian city of Manbij under a deal agreed earlier this year.

Turkey and the United States on Friday lifted sanctions against each others' ministers, Ankara's foreign ministry said, as tensions ease between the NATO allies.

Turkey and the United States on Friday lifted sanctions against each others' ministers, Ankara's foreign ministry said, as tensions ease between the NATO allies. In a parallel move to the US Treasury's decision to remove sanctions against the Turkish justice and interior ministers, ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said it would do the same for US Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen. Ankara-Washington relations have been strained since the July 2016 failed coup but were hurt further by Turkey's two-year detention of an American pastor. The tit-for-tat sanctions were implemented in August during one of the worst diplomatic spats between the NATO allies after a court in the western province of Izmir refused to release Pastor Andrew Brunson and instead placed him under house arrest on July 25. But ties have improved since Brunson's release on October 12 and his return to the US. The US sanctions targeted Turkish Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul and Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu under the 2016 Global Magnitsky Act named after Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, who died in a Moscow jail. The act allows the US to sanction foreign officials implicated in rights abuses. The US Treasury department on Friday said on its website that Gul and Soylu had been removed from a list of sanctioned individuals. But President Donald Trump had also doubled tariffs on Turkish aluminium and steel over Brunson's detention in August, which badly hurt the Turkish lira. At one point during the row, the lira reached seven against the US dollar. Since mid-October, but it has rallied and by 1415 GMT Friday, the currency had gained over 1.4 per cent against the greenback to 5.41. Ties have been cooler between Ankara and Washington over the US failure to extradite a Pennsylvania-based Muslim preacher Turkey says ordered the coup bid and American support for a Kurdish militia in Syria against the Islamic State group. Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday spoke over the phone about Syria after the two countries began joint patrols in the northern Syrian city of Manbij under a deal agreed earlier this year.

Post-pastor release, Turkey, US lift sanctions on ministers

China challenged the United States Friday to show evidence to support charges that Beijing backed a scheme by Chinese and Taiwanese companies to steal trade secrets from a US-based semiconductor firm.

US Attorney General Jeff Sessions accused the companies on Thursday of stealing an estimated $8.75 billion worth of know-how from semiconductor giant Micron.

The Justice Department unveiled criminal charges against Chinese state-owned Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Co., and United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) of Taiwan, along with three UMC officials.

It said they conspired to steal US-based Micron's advanced designs to turn Fujian Jinhua into a major player in the global computer chip market.

"If the US side is really concerned, they should provide concrete examples that can withstand the test of evidence and facts," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a regular press briefing.

The charges were the latest in a series of cases targeting what Washington calls an ongoing Beijing programme to steal valuable US industrial and commercial secrets in order to advance the Chinese economy.

"Taken together, these cases and many others like them paint a grim picture of a country bent on stealing its way up the ladder of economic development and doing so at American expense," Sessions said.

"This behaviour is illegal. It is wrong. It is a threat to our national security. And it must stop."

US President Donald Trump has cited China's alleged theft of US technological know-how among a litany of grievances in his trade war with the Asian power.

Trump and Xi spoke on the phone about trade and other issues hours after the charges were announced, and the US leader tweeted that the pair had a "very good" conversation.

Xi said he was "very happy" to talk to Trump again and that he would like to see him at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires later this month, adding that the two countries should "push for a mutually acceptable solution to China-US economic and trade issues", according to state media.

- Chip designs - 
The indictment released in the US district court in San Jose, California alleges that three former Micron employees in Taiwan -- Stephen Chen Zhengkun, He Jianting and Kenny Wang Yungming -- joined UMC in 2015 and 2016 with the express plan to hand over to the company Micron's design and manufacturing processes for specific dynamic random access memory (DRAM) semiconductors.

Those would then be transferred to Fujian Jinhua under an contract set by Chen.

Prior to the plot, US prosecutors said, neither the Chinese nor the Taiwanese company had any DRAM production capability.

But China had set out the goal of acquiring DRAM capability in its current strategic economy plan.

Chen was originally a top executive at Micron's Taiwan operation. He moved in 2015 to lead UMC, a contract chip manufacturer listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and subsequently became president of Fujian Jinhua.

- Competitive threat to Micron - 
The theft posed a major threat to Micron, a company valued at around $100 billion and which controls 20-25 percent of the global market for DRAM chips.

The indictment came four months after Fujian Jinhua won a patent dispute with Micron in a Chinese court, gaining an order for the US company to stop sales in China of more than a dozen solid-state drives, memory sticks and chips.

In retaliation, the US Commerce Department on Monday placed heavy restrictions on Fujian Jinhua's ability to buy US machinery and materials for its factories that would boost its DRAM production capabilities.

In addition to the criminal charges announced Thursday, the Justice Department filed a civil lawsuit to block imports of any UMC and Fujian Jinhua products using stolen Micron technology.

In recent years Washington has stepped up its fight against China's alleged ongoing economic espionage programme to obtain all sorts of advanced technologies, from agriculture to heavy manufacturing.

"China is probably, over the long term, the biggest challenge, national security challenge that faces our country," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday in an interview with Fox News' Laura Ingraham.

"Where the semiconductor piece fits in is, it's part of a mosaic of our strategic effort to push back against this continued Chinese effort."

China challenged the United States Friday to show evidence to support charges that Beijing backed a scheme by Chinese and Taiwanese companies to steal trade secrets from a US-based semiconductor firm.

China challenged the United States Friday to show evidence to support charges that Beijing backed a scheme by Chinese and Taiwanese companies to steal trade secrets from a US-based semiconductor firm. US Attorney General Jeff Sessions accused the companies on Thursday of stealing an estimated $8.75 billion worth of know-how from semiconductor giant Micron. The Justice Department unveiled criminal charges against Chinese state-owned Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Co., and United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) of Taiwan, along with three UMC officials. It said they conspired to steal US-based Micron's advanced designs to turn Fujian Jinhua into a major player in the global computer chip market. "If the US side is really concerned, they should provide concrete examples that can withstand the test of evidence and facts," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a regular press briefing. The charges were the latest in a series of cases targeting what Washington calls an ongoing Beijing programme to steal valuable US industrial and commercial secrets in order to advance the Chinese economy. "Taken together, these cases and many others like them paint a grim picture of a country bent on stealing its way up the ladder of economic development and doing so at American expense," Sessions said. "This behaviour is illegal. It is wrong. It is a threat to our national security. And it must stop." US President Donald Trump has cited China's alleged theft of US technological know-how among a litany of grievances in his trade war with the Asian power. Trump and Xi spoke on the phone about trade and other issues hours after the charges were announced, and the US leader tweeted that the pair had a "very good" conversation. Xi said he was "very happy" to talk to Trump again and that he would like to see him at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires later this month, adding that the two countries should "push for a mutually acceptable solution to China-US economic and trade issues", according to state media. - Chip designs - The indictment released in the US district court in San Jose, California alleges that three former Micron employees in Taiwan -- Stephen Chen Zhengkun, He Jianting and Kenny Wang Yungming -- joined UMC in 2015 and 2016 with the express plan to hand over to the company Micron's design and manufacturing processes for specific dynamic random access memory (DRAM) semiconductors. Those would then be transferred to Fujian Jinhua under an contract set by Chen. Prior to the plot, US prosecutors said, neither the Chinese nor the Taiwanese company had any DRAM production capability. But China had set out the goal of acquiring DRAM capability in its current strategic economy plan. Chen was originally a top executive at Micron's Taiwan operation. He moved in 2015 to lead UMC, a contract chip manufacturer listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and subsequently became president of Fujian Jinhua. - Competitive threat to Micron - The theft posed a major threat to Micron, a company valued at around $100 billion and which controls 20-25 percent of the global market for DRAM chips. The indictment came four months after Fujian Jinhua won a patent dispute with Micron in a Chinese court, gaining an order for the US company to stop sales in China of more than a dozen solid-state drives, memory sticks and chips. In retaliation, the US Commerce Department on Monday placed heavy restrictions on Fujian Jinhua's ability to buy US machinery and materials for its factories that would boost its DRAM production capabilities. In addition to the criminal charges announced Thursday, the Justice Department filed a civil lawsuit to block imports of any UMC and Fujian Jinhua products using stolen Micron technology. In recent years Washington has stepped up its fight against China's alleged ongoing economic espionage programme to obtain all sorts of advanced technologies, from agriculture to heavy manufacturing. "China is probably, over the long term, the biggest challenge, national security challenge that faces our country," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday in an interview with Fox News' Laura Ingraham. "Where the semiconductor piece fits in is, it's part of a mosaic of our strategic effort to push back against this continued Chinese effort."

China challenges US to provide 'evidence' in trade secrets case

The United States has filed criminal charges against former Volkswagen AG boss Martin Winterkorn, accusing him of conspiring to cover up the German automaker`s diesel emissions cheating, in a rare attempt to prosecute a CEO for company actions.

The indictment reopens the question of whether other senior Volkswagen (VW) executives knew about the scandal, which has dogged Europe's biggest automaker for more than 2-1/2 years and led to a regulatory crackdown that is threatening thousands of jobs as customers increasingly shun diesel-powered cars.

The indictment, filed by the Department of Justice (DoJ) in secret in March, was unsealed in a US&nbspdistrict court on Thursday as VW held its annual meeting in Berlin.

Winterkorn, 70, is charged with four felony counts, including conspiracy to defraud the United States, wire fraud and violating the Clean Air Act from at least May 2006 through November 2015, after VW admitted using illicit software that allowed diesel cars to emit excess pollution without detection.

Winterkorn resigned within days of the scandal becoming public in September 2015, but other senior executives who were on the company`s management board at the time continue to hold senior positions within the group.&nbsp

Hans-Dieter Poetsch, who was finance chief, is now chairman of the supervisory board. Herbert Diess, now group CEO, joined the company on July 1 2015 as head of the VW brand, only weeks before authorities divulged its cheating on Sept. 18, 2015.

Rupert Stadler, who was head of the Audi brand in 2015, has been given additional responsibilities for group sales in a revamp announced by Diess last month. Bernd Osterloh, the company`s powerful labour chief who also sits on the VW supervisory board, is still in place.&nbsp

VW has said the decision to install illegal "defeat device" software was taken in 2006 below the management board level.

"None of the members of the board of management had, at that time and for many years to follow, knowledge of the development and implementation of this software function," VW said in its 2017 annual report.

A lawyer for Winterkorn in Germany did not immediately comment. Winterkorn in January 2017 told German lawmakers he had not been informed of the cheating early, and would have halted it had he been aware.

A VW spokesman in Germany said the company "continues to cooperate with investigations" but does not comment about probes of individuals."

Winterkorn is unlikely to face US&nbspauthorities. Germany`s Federal Justice Ministry said on Friday it does not extradite German nationals to countries outside the European Union.

Winterkorn is currently in Germany is unlikely to travel to a jurisdiction that might extradite him to the United States, a source familiar with his thinking said.

VW shares, which were trading ex-dividend on Friday, were 0.3 percent higher at 172.62 euros at 1204 GMT.

A heavy price

US&nbspAttorney General Jeff Sessions, Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) chief Scott Pruitt and other senior Trump administration official issued statements criticizing VW with the indictment.

"If you try to deceive the United States, then you will pay a heavy price," Sessions said.

In contrast with VW, no individuals were charged at Toyota Motor Corp in connection with its sudden unintended acceleration scandal or at General Motors Co for the cover-up of a deadly ignition switch defect.

The federal government`s decisions not to prosecute senior banking industry executives over the 2007-2009 financial crisis has also drawn fire from advocates of tougher measures to deter corporate wrongdoing.

VW has been fighting to move on from the scandal. It settled criminal charges with the US&nbspDoJ in 2017 by agreeing to a $4.3 billion payment, and has pledged to spend billions on new electric vehicles.

In total, it has agreed to spend more than $25 billion in the United States to address claims from owners, environmental regulators, states and dealers.

But prosecutors in Germany and the United States are continuing investigations into what senior executives at VW and its Porsche and Audi brands knew. They have also opened investigations into BMW, Mercedes-Benz and FiatChrysler related to their diesel emissions.

VW has also offered to buy back about 500,000 polluting US&nbspvehicles. Many are now stored in parking lots around the United States.&nbsp

All the way to the top

VW has never commented on when individual management board members learned about the defeat devices.&nbsp

The filing with the US&nbspdistrict court said Winterkorn was briefed about the consequences of being caught using an illegal emissions device on July 27, 2015.&nbsp

VW disclosed to US&nbspauthorities that it had used illegal software in its cars on Sept. 3, 2015, and did not inform investors until the US&nbspEPA alerted the public on Sept. 18.&nbsp

VW chose not to disclose the issue earlier because it felt the matter could be resolved amicably with US&nbspauthorities, its annual report said.&nbsp

Sessions said in a statement that the charges against Winterkorn showed "Volkswagen`s scheme to cheat its legal requirements went all the way to the top of the company."

The indictment describes how VW employees presented PowerPoint slides to Winterkorn and "other senior VW AG management at an in-person meeting at VW`s headquarters in Wolfsburg." The meeting provided a "clear picture" of how the company was deceiving US&nbspregulators about software used to rig emissions tests of VW diesel vehicles, it said.

The indictment also alleges that VW employees recommended the company seek to get approval for 2016 diesel models from US&nbspregulators without revealing the existence of the cheating software. Winterkorn agreed to the plan, the indictment said.

The indictment also states Winterkorn was informed of the emissions cheating by a memo sent in May 2014. Winterkorn has said he did not learn of the cheating until late August 2015.

At its annual meeting, VW`s new CEO Herbert Diess vowed to make the carmaker "more honest", but investors called for outside vetting of steps to restore its reputation.

VW had initially suggested only lower-level executives knew of the cheating. But the indictment alleges Winterkorn agreed with other senior VW executives "to continue to perpetrate the fraud and deceive US&nbspregulators."&nbsp

In total, nine people have been charged and two former VW executives have pleaded guilty in the case and been sentenced to prison terms. One Italian citizen, former Audi manager Giovanni Pamio, is in Germany awaiting extradition.

Six former VW executives charged, including Winterkorn, are believed to be in Germany and have avoided facing US&nbspprosecutors.

The United States has filed criminal charges against former Volkswagen AG boss Martin Winterkorn, accusing him of conspiring to cover up the German automaker`s diesel emissions cheating

The United States has filed criminal charges against former Volkswagen AG boss Martin Winterkorn, accusing him of conspiring to cover up the German automaker`s diesel emissions cheating, in a rare attempt to prosecute a CEO for company actions. The indictment reopens the question of whether other senior Volkswagen (VW) executives knew about the scandal, which has dogged Europe's biggest automaker for more than 2-1/2 years and led to a regulatory crackdown that is threatening thousands of jobs as customers increasingly shun diesel-powered cars. The indictment, filed by the Department of Justice (DoJ) in secret in March, was unsealed in a US&nbspdistrict court on Thursday as VW held its annual meeting in Berlin. Winterkorn, 70, is charged with four felony counts, including conspiracy to defraud the United States, wire fraud and violating the Clean Air Act from at least May 2006 through November 2015, after VW admitted using illicit software that allowed diesel cars to emit excess pollution without detection. Winterkorn resigned within days of the scandal becoming public in September 2015, but other senior executives who were on the company`s management board at the time continue to hold senior positions within the group. Hans-Dieter Poetsch, who was finance chief, is now chairman of the supervisory board. Herbert Diess, now group CEO, joined the company on July 1 2015 as head of the VW brand, only weeks before authorities divulged its cheating on Sept. 18, 2015. Rupert Stadler, who was head of the Audi brand in 2015, has been given additional responsibilities for group sales in a revamp announced by Diess last month. Bernd Osterloh, the company`s powerful labour chief who also sits on the VW supervisory board, is still in place. VW has said the decision to install illegal "defeat device" software was taken in 2006 below the management board level. "None of the members of the board of management had, at that time and for many years to follow, knowledge of the development and implementation of this software function," VW said in its 2017 annual report. A lawyer for Winterkorn in Germany did not immediately comment. Winterkorn in January 2017 told German lawmakers he had not been informed of the cheating early, and would have halted it had he been aware. A VW spokesman in Germany said the company "continues to cooperate with investigations" but does not comment about probes of individuals." Winterkorn is unlikely to face US&nbspauthorities. Germany`s Federal Justice Ministry said on Friday it does not extradite German nationals to countries outside the European Union. Winterkorn is currently in Germany is unlikely to travel to a jurisdiction that might extradite him to the United States, a source familiar with his thinking said. VW shares, which were trading ex-dividend on Friday, were 0.3 percent higher at 172.62 euros at 1204 GMT. A heavy price US&nbspAttorney General Jeff Sessions, Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) chief Scott Pruitt and other senior Trump administration official issued statements criticizing VW with the indictment. "If you try to deceive the United States, then you will pay a heavy price," Sessions said. In contrast with VW, no individuals were charged at Toyota Motor Corp in connection with its sudden unintended acceleration scandal or at General Motors Co for the cover-up of a deadly ignition switch defect. The federal government`s decisions not to prosecute senior banking industry executives over the 2007-2009 financial crisis has also drawn fire from advocates of tougher measures to deter corporate wrongdoing. VW has been fighting to move on from the scandal. It settled criminal charges with the US&nbspDoJ in 2017 by agreeing to a $4.3 billion payment, and has pledged to spend billions on new electric vehicles. In total, it has agreed to spend more than $25 billion in the United States to address claims from owners, environmental regulators, states and dealers. But prosecutors in Germany and the United States are continuing investigations into what senior executives at VW and its Porsche and Audi brands knew. They have also opened investigations into BMW, Mercedes-Benz and FiatChrysler related to their diesel emissions. VW has also offered to buy back about 500,000 polluting US&nbspvehicles. Many are now stored in parking lots around the United States. All the way to the top VW has never commented on when individual management board members learned about the defeat devices. The filing with the US&nbspdistrict court said Winterkorn was briefed about the consequences of being caught using an illegal emissions device on July 27, 2015. VW disclosed to US&nbspauthorities that it had used illegal software in its cars on Sept. 3, 2015, and did not inform investors until the US&nbspEPA alerted the public on Sept. 18. VW chose not to disclose the issue earlier because it felt the matter could be resolved amicably with US&nbspauthorities, its annual report said. Sessions said in a statement that the charges against Winterkorn showed "Volkswagen`s scheme to cheat its legal requirements went all the way to the top of the company." The indictment describes how VW employees presented PowerPoint slides to Winterkorn and "other senior VW AG management at an in-person meeting at VW`s headquarters in Wolfsburg." The meeting provided a "clear picture" of how the company was deceiving US&nbspregulators about software used to rig emissions tests of VW diesel vehicles, it said. The indictment also alleges that VW employees recommended the company seek to get approval for 2016 diesel models from US&nbspregulators without revealing the existence of the cheating software. Winterkorn agreed to the plan, the indictment said. The indictment also states Winterkorn was informed of the emissions cheating by a memo sent in May 2014. Winterkorn has said he did not learn of the cheating until late August 2015. At its annual meeting, VW`s new CEO Herbert Diess vowed to make the carmaker "more honest", but investors called for outside vetting of steps to restore its reputation. VW had initially suggested only lower-level executives knew of the cheating. But the indictment alleges Winterkorn agreed with other senior VW executives "to continue to perpetrate the fraud and deceive US&nbspregulators." In total, nine people have been charged and two former VW executives have pleaded guilty in the case and been sentenced to prison terms. One Italian citizen, former Audi manager Giovanni Pamio, is in Germany awaiting extradition. Six former VW executives charged, including Winterkorn, are believed to be in Germany and have avoided facing US&nbspprosecutors.

Ex-Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn charged in US over diesel scandal

President Donald Trump, unable to get the US&nbspCongress or Mexico to fully fund his border wall, will post National Guard troops along the Mexican frontier, officials said on Wednesday, in a move that was likely to escalate tensions with a key US&nbspally.

The Trump administration was working with the governors of the four southwestern US&nbspstates along the border to deploy the Guard, said Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, adding that the troops would not be involved in law enforcement.

In a supporting role, possibly for aerial reconnaissance, the Guard will help US&nbspCustoms and Border Protection personnel with stopping illegal immigrants from entering the country, Nielsen said at a White House briefing with reporters.

In a memorandum laying out the new initiative, Trump directed Defense Secretary James Mattis to request the use of National Guard personnel to help the Department of Homeland Security in securing the southern border.

He ordered Mattis, Nielsen and Attorney General Jeff Sessions to submit a report within 30 days detailing an action plan and recommendations for any other executive authorities to be invoked to protect the border.

The administration`s move drew criticism from Democrats. Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado said Trump has failed to engage with lawmakers on bipartisan immigration reform that would satisfy both parties` agendas on the volatile issue.

"Unfortunately, the president failed to lead, and rather than find real solutions on immigration, he continues to stoke fear," Bennet said in a statement.

The Mexican government has told the United States that "if the announced deployment of the National Guard turned into a militarization of the border, that would gravely damage the bilateral relationship," Mexico`s Foreign Ministry said.

It said Nielsen discussed the planned National Guard deployment with Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray on Wednesday and told him the troops will not carry arms.

In keeping with a theme he often invoked as a candidate in 2016 and has continually returned to since taking office, Republican Trump has sharpened his anti-immigrant rhetoric, warning that illegal immigrants threaten US&nbspsafety and jobs.

His plan to deploy troops comes after his failure so far to persuade either the Mexican government or the US&nbspCongress to fully fund a wall he wants to build along the border.

At the same time, the Republican-controlled Congress has failed to meaningfully overhaul US&nbspimmigration law, despite demands from Trump for a deal. With campaigning by lawmakers for November`s midterm congressional elections getting under way, little legislative action was expected in months ahead.

The National Guard is a reserve wing of the US&nbsparmed forces that is partially under the authority of governors.

Trump`s plans were hailed as welcome and needed by the Republican governors of Arizona and Texas.

The California National Guard will promptly review Trump`s request "to determine how best we can assist our federal partners," said a spokesman for the state`s unit in a statement. He added he was speaking for Governor Jerry Brown, a Democrat.

Wall of bases

Trump last month signed a federal spending bill that contained $1.6 billion to pay for six months of work on his wall. He had asked for $25 billion for it.

Nielsen told reporters the administration was looking into possibly constructing some wall on border land owned by the US&nbspmilitary.

After Nielsen spoke, a senior administration official said, "We expect personnel to be on the border quickly but at this time we don`t have a date, but that will be coming soon."

Many National Guard personnel are federally funded and can be put under the direction of Washington when they are carrying out federal missions. There are thousands of US&nbspNational Guard now serving on federal missions, including in Afghanistan.

Nielsen did not give details on the number of the troops to be deployed to the border or the cost of the operation.

She said the administration had drafted legislation and would be asking Congress to provide the legal authority and resources to address "this crisis at our borders." She said the Guard could conduct aerial surveillance along the border.

Nielsen said that despite steps taken by the administration, drug smuggling, illegal immigration and dangerous gang activity across the border were at unacceptable levels.

"Until we can have a wall and proper security we`re going to be guarding our border with the military," Trump told reporters at the White House on Tuesday, lamenting what he called "horrible" US&nbsplaws that left the border poorly protected.

On Wednesday, he said in a tweet: "Our Border Laws are very weak while those of Mexico & Canada are very strong. Congress must change this Obama era, and other, laws NOW!"

While the Trump administration speaks of an immigration "crisis" on the border, US&nbspBorder Patrol statistics show the fewest apprehensions of illegal immigrants on the border in 46 years. In the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, 2017, there were 303,916 such arrests, the lowest level since fiscal 1971.

Under Republican President George W Bush, the National Guard between 2006 and 2008 provided border-related intelligence analysis, but had no direct law enforcement role.

In 2010, President Barack Obama sent National Guard troops to the US-Mexican border to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support to US&nbspBorder Patrol agents.

President Donald Trump, unable to get the US Congress or Mexico to fully fund his border wall, will post National Guard troops along the Mexican frontier, officials said on Wednesday, in a move that was likely to escalate tensions with a key US ally

President Donald Trump, unable to get the US&nbspCongress or Mexico to fully fund his border wall, will post National Guard troops along the Mexican frontier, officials said on Wednesday, in a move that was likely to escalate tensions with a key US&nbspally. The Trump administration was working with the governors of the four southwestern US&nbspstates along the border to deploy the Guard, said Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, adding that the troops would not be involved in law enforcement. In a supporting role, possibly for aerial reconnaissance, the Guard will help US&nbspCustoms and Border Protection personnel with stopping illegal immigrants from entering the country, Nielsen said at a White House briefing with reporters. In a memorandum laying out the new initiative, Trump directed Defense Secretary James Mattis to request the use of National Guard personnel to help the Department of Homeland Security in securing the southern border. He ordered Mattis, Nielsen and Attorney General Jeff Sessions to submit a report within 30 days detailing an action plan and recommendations for any other executive authorities to be invoked to protect the border. The administration`s move drew criticism from Democrats. Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado said Trump has failed to engage with lawmakers on bipartisan immigration reform that would satisfy both parties` agendas on the volatile issue. "Unfortunately, the president failed to lead, and rather than find real solutions on immigration, he continues to stoke fear," Bennet said in a statement. The Mexican government has told the United States that "if the announced deployment of the National Guard turned into a militarization of the border, that would gravely damage the bilateral relationship," Mexico`s Foreign Ministry said. It said Nielsen discussed the planned National Guard deployment with Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray on Wednesday and told him the troops will not carry arms. In keeping with a theme he often invoked as a candidate in 2016 and has continually returned to since taking office, Republican Trump has sharpened his anti-immigrant rhetoric, warning that illegal immigrants threaten US&nbspsafety and jobs. His plan to deploy troops comes after his failure so far to persuade either the Mexican government or the US&nbspCongress to fully fund a wall he wants to build along the border. At the same time, the Republican-controlled Congress has failed to meaningfully overhaul US&nbspimmigration law, despite demands from Trump for a deal. With campaigning by lawmakers for November`s midterm congressional elections getting under way, little legislative action was expected in months ahead. The National Guard is a reserve wing of the US&nbsparmed forces that is partially under the authority of governors. Trump`s plans were hailed as welcome and needed by the Republican governors of Arizona and Texas. The California National Guard will promptly review Trump`s request "to determine how best we can assist our federal partners," said a spokesman for the state`s unit in a statement. He added he was speaking for Governor Jerry Brown, a Democrat. Wall of bases Trump last month signed a federal spending bill that contained $1.6 billion to pay for six months of work on his wall. He had asked for $25 billion for it. Nielsen told reporters the administration was looking into possibly constructing some wall on border land owned by the US&nbspmilitary. After Nielsen spoke, a senior administration official said, "We expect personnel to be on the border quickly but at this time we don`t have a date, but that will be coming soon." Many National Guard personnel are federally funded and can be put under the direction of Washington when they are carrying out federal missions. There are thousands of US&nbspNational Guard now serving on federal missions, including in Afghanistan. Nielsen did not give details on the number of the troops to be deployed to the border or the cost of the operation. She said the administration had drafted legislation and would be asking Congress to provide the legal authority and resources to address "this crisis at our borders." She said the Guard could conduct aerial surveillance along the border. Nielsen said that despite steps taken by the administration, drug smuggling, illegal immigration and dangerous gang activity across the border were at unacceptable levels. "Until we can have a wall and proper security we`re going to be guarding our border with the military," Trump told reporters at the White House on Tuesday, lamenting what he called "horrible" US&nbsplaws that left the border poorly protected. On Wednesday, he said in a tweet: "Our Border Laws are very weak while those of Mexico & Canada are very strong. Congress must change this Obama era, and other, laws NOW!" While the Trump administration speaks of an immigration "crisis" on the border, US&nbspBorder Patrol statistics show the fewest apprehensions of illegal immigrants on the border in 46 years. In the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, 2017, there were 303,916 such arrests, the lowest level since fiscal 1971. Under Republican President George W Bush, the National Guard between 2006 and 2008 provided border-related intelligence analysis, but had no direct law enforcement role. In 2010, President Barack Obama sent National Guard troops to the US-Mexican border to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support to US&nbspBorder Patrol agents.

Trump, stymied on wall, to send troops to US-Mexico border

US President Donald Trump is heading to California, a state at the forefront of resistance to his anti-immigration agenda, for what is almost certain to be a contentious trip.

Trump&#39;s first trip to California as president, on Tuesday, comes at a time of high tensions between his Republican administration and the Democratic-leaning most populous US state, especially on immigration issues.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions has accused the state of deliberately obstructing enforcement of federal law by offering undocumented immigrants sanctuary protections.

Governor Jerry Brown said the Trump administration &quot;is basically going to war against the state of California,&quot; after the Justice Department sued to block its sanctuary laws.

&quot;Sanctuary jurisdictions are the best friend of smugglers, gang members, drug dealers, human traffickers, killers and other violent offenders,&quot; the president said in his weekly address.

&quot;The state of California is sheltering dangerous criminals in a brazen and lawless attack on our constitutional system of government .&quot;

The president will land at the Miramar air base in southern California and then go see prototypes of the wall he wants to build on America&#39;s southern border.

California was among the plaintiffs that launched an unsuccessful court challenge to waivers to environmental regulations that were granted so the construction of the prototypes and the replacement of existing border fencing could proceed.

&quot;We&#39;re going for what we hope to be an incredibly positive trip,&quot; White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Friday, while also taking aim at California for &quot;refusing to follow federal law,&quot; a reference to the state&#39;s efforts to shelter illegal immigrants from deportation.

Trump will also meet with members of the US military, Sanders said.

And he is expected to wrap up the visit with an evening of fundraising in Beverly Hills to raise money for his 2020 re-election campaign.

&#39;War&#39; against California

The &quot;Golden State&quot; and the president are at odds over issues ranging from immigration and the environment to marijuana and guns.

Trump&#39;s visit is &quot;part of a bigger concerted effort to push back on liberal efforts on immigration in California,&quot; said Julian Zelizer, professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University.

&quot;He&#39;s trying to shore up the California GOP (Republican Party) for the mid-terms and 2020,&quot; Zelizer said, referring to 2018 Congressional elections and the presidential race two years later.

Despite its generally liberal leanings, &quot;California is a place with money,&quot; and the president has had success with people such as Peter Thiel, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur known for his conservative positions, as well as in wealthy Orange County, Zelizer said.

The Los Angeles Times reported that donors will contribute up to $250,000 a person to Trump&#39;s re-election campaign and the Republican party at a fundraiser in Beverly Hills, citing an invitation obtained by the newspaper.

Focus on Republican areas

Trump has taken longer to visit California following his election than any president since Franklin Delano Roosevelt, according to US media.

&quot;His whole focus till now has been... on Republican areas,&quot; Zelizer said. &quot;He&#39;s not someone who wants to see the whole country, not a traveler interested in sensing the pulse of the nation.&quot;

Trump&#39;s visit to California will be marked by protests, both for and against the president and his policies.

Alliance San Diego, which namely advocates on behalf of immigrants, is planning a news conference and a protest the day before the president&#39;s arrival &quot;to set the tone for Trump&#39;s visit,&quot; said executive director Andrea Guerrero.

Events and demonstrations could last until after his departure, she said.

Jeff Schwilk, the founder of San Diegans for Secure borders, told the Los Angeles Times that he is planning an event to support Trump&#39;s visit to inspect border wall prototypes.

In another sign of the tensions at play as Trump readies for his trip, the American Civil Liberties Union filed a complaint in San Diego federal court challenging the Trump administration&#39;s practice of &quot;forcibly separating&quot; asylum-seeking parents and young children.

US President Donald Trump is heading to California, a state at the forefront of resistance to his anti-immigration agenda, for what is almost certain to be a contentious trip

US President Donald Trump is heading to California, a state at the forefront of resistance to his anti-immigration agenda, for what is almost certain to be a contentious trip. Trump's first trip to California as president, on Tuesday, comes at a time of high tensions between his Republican administration and the Democratic-leaning most populous US state, especially on immigration issues. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has accused the state of deliberately obstructing enforcement of federal law by offering undocumented immigrants sanctuary protections. Governor Jerry Brown said the Trump administration "is basically going to war against the state of California," after the Justice Department sued to block its sanctuary laws. "Sanctuary jurisdictions are the best friend of smugglers, gang members, drug dealers, human traffickers, killers and other violent offenders," the president said in his weekly address. "The state of California is sheltering dangerous criminals in a brazen and lawless attack on our constitutional system of government ." The president will land at the Miramar air base in southern California and then go see prototypes of the wall he wants to build on America's southern border. California was among the plaintiffs that launched an unsuccessful court challenge to waivers to environmental regulations that were granted so the construction of the prototypes and the replacement of existing border fencing could proceed. "We're going for what we hope to be an incredibly positive trip," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Friday, while also taking aim at California for "refusing to follow federal law," a reference to the state's efforts to shelter illegal immigrants from deportation. Trump will also meet with members of the US military, Sanders said. And he is expected to wrap up the visit with an evening of fundraising in Beverly Hills to raise money for his 2020 re-election campaign. 'War' against California The "Golden State" and the president are at odds over issues ranging from immigration and the environment to marijuana and guns. Trump's visit is "part of a bigger concerted effort to push back on liberal efforts on immigration in California," said Julian Zelizer, professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University. "He's trying to shore up the California GOP (Republican Party) for the mid-terms and 2020," Zelizer said, referring to 2018 Congressional elections and the presidential race two years later. Despite its generally liberal leanings, "California is a place with money," and the president has had success with people such as Peter Thiel, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur known for his conservative positions, as well as in wealthy Orange County, Zelizer said. The Los Angeles Times reported that donors will contribute up to $250,000 a person to Trump's re-election campaign and the Republican party at a fundraiser in Beverly Hills, citing an invitation obtained by the newspaper. Focus on Republican areas Trump has taken longer to visit California following his election than any president since Franklin Delano Roosevelt, according to US media. "His whole focus till now has been... on Republican areas," Zelizer said. "He's not someone who wants to see the whole country, not a traveler interested in sensing the pulse of the nation." Trump's visit to California will be marked by protests, both for and against the president and his policies. Alliance San Diego, which namely advocates on behalf of immigrants, is planning a news conference and a protest the day before the president's arrival "to set the tone for Trump's visit," said executive director Andrea Guerrero. Events and demonstrations could last until after his departure, she said. Jeff Schwilk, the founder of San Diegans for Secure borders, told the Los Angeles Times that he is planning an event to support Trump's visit to inspect border wall prototypes. In another sign of the tensions at play as Trump readies for his trip, the American Civil Liberties Union filed a complaint in San Diego federal court challenging the Trump administration's practice of "forcibly separating" asylum-seeking parents and young children.

Trump to make first trip as president to defiant California

US Attorney General Jeff Sessions was questioned last week by the special counsel&rsquo;s office investigating potential collusion between Russia and President Donald Trump&rsquo;s 2016 presidential campaign, the US Justice Department said on Tuesday.

The interview marked the first time that Special Counsel Robert Mueller&rsquo;s office is known to have interviewed a member of Trump&rsquo;s Cabinet.

The interview with Sessions, who served as an advisor to Trump&rsquo;s campaign before the president appointed him as the top US law enforcement official, is another serious development in an investigation that has hung like a cloud over Trump&rsquo;s year-old presidency.

Sessions recused himself from overseeing the Russia probe last March after media outlets reported he had failed to disclose several 2016 meetings with Russia&rsquo;s ambassador. His recusal paved the way for Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, the No. 2 official in the Justice Department, to appoint Mueller as special counsel in May 2017.

Reuters could not immediately learn details about what kinds of questions Sessions faced during his interview, which was first reported by the New York Times.

But his involvement in Trump&rsquo;s firing of former FBI Director James Comey is likely to be one area of interest for Mueller&rsquo;s team as it looks at potential obstruction of justice by the Republican president.

Ian Prior, a Justice Department spokesman, confirmed that Sessions met with Mueller&rsquo;s team last week, but did not provide any additional details. An attorney representing Sessions could not immediately be reached for comment.

Trump fired Comey last May after both Sessions and Rosenstein penned a memo recommending his ouster over his prior handling of the investigation into former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton&rsquo;s use of a private email server. Clinton was the Democratic presidential candidate who lost to Trump in 2016.

Trump later said he fired Comey over &ldquo;this Russia thing,&rdquo; a comment that raised questions about whether he was attempting to obstruct the FBI&rsquo;s investigation. Mueller took over the investigation after being appointed special counsel.

Sessions&rsquo; participation in a March 31, 2016, meeting of Trump&rsquo;s national security campaign advisers could also be of interest to Mueller.

At that meeting, which Sessions led, former campaign volunteer and adviser George Papadopoulos offered to help broker a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Papadopoulos has pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI and is now cooperating with Mueller&rsquo;s ongoing investigation.

Sessions had previously testified he was unaware of any contact between campaign associates and Russians.

However, after news of Mueller&rsquo;s criminal charges against Papadopoulos became public, he later testified before Congress that he did now recall the meeting. In that testimony, he said he pushed back against Papadopoulos&rsquo; suggestion of a Putin meeting.

Trump this month refused to commit to being interviewed by Mueller, saying &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll speak to attorneys&rdquo; about the matter and that &ldquo;there was absolutely no collusion.&rdquo;

US intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 campaign using hacking and propaganda to attempt to tilt the race in favour of Trump. Russia has denied it.

Sessions had previously testified he was unaware of any contact between campaign associates and Russians

US Attorney General Jeff Sessions was questioned last week by the special counsel’s office investigating potential collusion between Russia and President Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, the US Justice Department said on Tuesday. The interview marked the first time that Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s office is known to have interviewed a member of Trump’s Cabinet. The interview with Sessions, who served as an advisor to Trump’s campaign before the president appointed him as the top US law enforcement official, is another serious development in an investigation that has hung like a cloud over Trump’s year-old presidency. Sessions recused himself from overseeing the Russia probe last March after media outlets reported he had failed to disclose several 2016 meetings with Russia’s ambassador. His recusal paved the way for Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, the No. 2 official in the Justice Department, to appoint Mueller as special counsel in May 2017. Reuters could not immediately learn details about what kinds of questions Sessions faced during his interview, which was first reported by the New York Times. But his involvement in Trump’s firing of former FBI Director James Comey is likely to be one area of interest for Mueller’s team as it looks at potential obstruction of justice by the Republican president. Ian Prior, a Justice Department spokesman, confirmed that Sessions met with Mueller’s team last week, but did not provide any additional details. An attorney representing Sessions could not immediately be reached for comment. Trump fired Comey last May after both Sessions and Rosenstein penned a memo recommending his ouster over his prior handling of the investigation into former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server. Clinton was the Democratic presidential candidate who lost to Trump in 2016. Trump later said he fired Comey over “this Russia thing,” a comment that raised questions about whether he was attempting to obstruct the FBI’s investigation. Mueller took over the investigation after being appointed special counsel. Sessions’ participation in a March 31, 2016, meeting of Trump’s national security campaign advisers could also be of interest to Mueller. At that meeting, which Sessions led, former campaign volunteer and adviser George Papadopoulos offered to help broker a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Papadopoulos has pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI and is now cooperating with Mueller’s ongoing investigation. Sessions had previously testified he was unaware of any contact between campaign associates and Russians. However, after news of Mueller’s criminal charges against Papadopoulos became public, he later testified before Congress that he did now recall the meeting. In that testimony, he said he pushed back against Papadopoulos’ suggestion of a Putin meeting. Trump this month refused to commit to being interviewed by Mueller, saying “I’ll speak to attorneys” about the matter and that “there was absolutely no collusion.” US intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 campaign using hacking and propaganda to attempt to tilt the race in favour of Trump. Russia has denied it.

US Attorney General Jeff Sessions questioned in Russia probe

US Attorney General Jeff Sessions today (August 4) vowed a tough crackdown on people revealing classified or sensitive national security information, threatening to jail leakers and branding such illicit acts a betrayal to fellow Americans.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly fumed about &quot;illegal leaks&quot; and even lashed out publicly at Jeff Sessions last week for taking what he called a &quot;very weak&quot; position on the issue.

Under pressure, and with some saying his job could be on the line, Jeff Sessions responded.

&quot;I strongly agree with the president and condemn in the strongest terms the staggering number of leaks undermining the ability of our government to protect this country,&quot; Jeff Sessions told a press conference.

Four people have already been charged with &quot;unlawfully disclosing&quot; classified material or concealing contacts with federal officers, he said.

The number of active leak investigations this year has tripled compared with the tally before Trump took office, Sessions added.

&quot;We are taking a stand. This culture of leaking must stop,&quot; he said.

Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, joining Sessions, issued his own tough warning to would-be leakers and described such revelations as &quot;betraying&quot; the American people.

&quot;Understand this: If you improperly disclose classified information, we will find you,&quot; he said. &quot;We will investigate you, we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.&quot;

The announcement comes after six months of political intrigue and open feuding in the White House, which has manifested itself in a torrent of damaging revelations to the media.

It also follows a leak that was unusual even by the standards of this administration -- the publication by The Washington Post of the contents of private phone calls between Trump and foreign leaders.

The newspaper published the full transcripts Thursday of conversations the Republican billionaire leader held in January with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Sessions, while not addressing specifics of the transcripts, signalled his anger over the revelations which apparently came from inside the White House, saying &quot;no government can be effective&quot; when its leaders&#39; discussions of sensitive matters are released.

The attorney general issued a not-so-veiled threat to the media, saying that while the administration has respect for the press, &quot;it is not unlimited.&quot;

&quot;They cannot place lives at risk with impunity,&quot; he added. &quot;We must balance the press&#39;s role with protecting our national security.&quot;&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

President Trump has repeatedly fumed about 'illegal leaks' and even lashed out publicly at Jeff Sessions last week

US Attorney General Jeff Sessions today (August 4) vowed a tough crackdown on people revealing classified or sensitive national security information, threatening to jail leakers and branding such illicit acts a betrayal to fellow Americans. President Donald Trump has repeatedly fumed about "illegal leaks" and even lashed out publicly at Jeff Sessions last week for taking what he called a "very weak" position on the issue. Under pressure, and with some saying his job could be on the line, Jeff Sessions responded. "I strongly agree with the president and condemn in the strongest terms the staggering number of leaks undermining the ability of our government to protect this country," Jeff Sessions told a press conference. Four people have already been charged with "unlawfully disclosing" classified material or concealing contacts with federal officers, he said. The number of active leak investigations this year has tripled compared with the tally before Trump took office, Sessions added. "We are taking a stand. This culture of leaking must stop," he said. Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, joining Sessions, issued his own tough warning to would-be leakers and described such revelations as "betraying" the American people. "Understand this: If you improperly disclose classified information, we will find you," he said. "We will investigate you, we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law." The announcement comes after six months of political intrigue and open feuding in the White House, which has manifested itself in a torrent of damaging revelations to the media. It also follows a leak that was unusual even by the standards of this administration -- the publication by The Washington Post of the contents of private phone calls between Trump and foreign leaders. The newspaper published the full transcripts Thursday of conversations the Republican billionaire leader held in January with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Sessions, while not addressing specifics of the transcripts, signalled his anger over the revelations which apparently came from inside the White House, saying "no government can be effective" when its leaders' discussions of sensitive matters are released. The attorney general issued a not-so-veiled threat to the media, saying that while the administration has respect for the press, "it is not unlimited." "They cannot place lives at risk with impunity," he added. "We must balance the press's role with protecting our national security."

US Attorney General Jeff Sessions vows crackdown against leaks of classified information

US President Donald Trump resumed his attacks on Attorney General Jeff Sessions Tuesday, calling his onetime ally &quot;VERY weak&quot; in pursuing intelligence leaks and for failing to go after former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton over her email.

Trump&#39;s latest Twitter salvo followed a report in the Washington Post that the president and his advisers have discussed replacing Sessions, one of the Republican billionaire&#39;s earliest supporters.

&quot;Attorney General Jeff Sessions has taken a VERY weak position on Hillary Clinton crimes (where are E-mails &amp;DNC server) &amp; Intel leakers!&quot; Trump tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Attorney General Jeff Sessions has taken a VERY weak position on Hillary Clinton crimes (where are E-mails &amp; DNC server) &amp; Intel leakers!
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/889790429398528000">July 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Trump has openly criticised Sessions for recusing himself from overseeing a federal probe into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia to meddle in the 2016 US presidential elections.

Sessions has said he has no plans to resign.

With pressure mounting from the investigation led by former FBI director Robert Mueller, Trump has sought to revive an election year controversy over Clinton&#39;s use of a private server to send email while secretary of state.

The White House also alleged last week that the Democrats colluded with Ukraine during the 2016 campaign, adding another twist to the president&#39;s counter-offensive.&nbsp;

&quot;Ukrainian efforts to sabotage Trump campaign - &#39;quietly working to boost Clinton.&#39; So where is the investigation A.G.,&quot; Trump said in another early morning tweet Tuesday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Ukrainian efforts to sabotage Trump campaign - &quot;quietly working to boost Clinton.&quot; So where is the investigation A.G. <a href="https://twitter.com/seanhannity">@seanhannity</a>
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/889788202172780544">July 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&#39;Beleaguered&#39;

US presidents normally go to great pains to avoid being seen as influencing ongoing or possible investigations, making Trump&#39;s attacks on Sessions all the more extraordinary.

On Monday, Trump took to Twitter to declare his top law enforcement official &quot;beleaguered&quot; as he wondered out loud why Sessions was not investigating Clinton.

&quot;So why aren&#39;t the Committees and investigators, and of course our beleaguered A.G., looking into Crooked Hillarys crimes &amp; Russia relations?&quot; Trump asked.

Trump has expressed increasing anger with Sessions as his Justice Department&#39;s investigations into possible Trump-Russia collusion has quickened.

Last week, he publicly upbraided Sessions for stepping back from issues related to the probe.

Sessions recused himself because of his role on Trump&#39;s campaign and because he failed to tell the Senate during his confirmation hearings about contacts he had with the Russian ambassador in Washington.

Trump said he would never have hired Sessions had he known he would recuse himself.

&quot;I think is very unfair to the president,&quot; Trump told The New York Times last week. &quot;It&#39;s extremely unfair, and that&#39;s a mild word, to the president.&quot;&nbsp;

Widening probe

Trump&#39;s eldest son, son-in-law and top aides have become entangled in the widening investigation led by Mueller.

Jared Kushner, the president&#39;s son-in-law and a top White House official, was questioned Monday by a Senate panel about contacts with then Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak, a Russian financier and a Russian lawyer who offered dirt on Clinton.

Kushner made a statement denying collusion after testifying behind closed doors, insisting the string of undisclosed meetings with Russian officials were &quot;proper.&quot;

&quot;Jared Kushner did very well yesterday in proving he did not collude with the Russians. Witch Hunt. Next up, 11 year old Barron Trump!&quot; Trump tweeted on Tuesday.

In May, Trump fired FBI director James Comey over the bureau&#39;s investigation into Russia.

That led to Mueller&#39;s appointment as a special prosecutor.

The Post report said Trump associates see getting rid of Sessions as part of a potential strategy to fire Mueller and end the Russia investigation.&nbsp;

The website Axios reported that Trump was considering replacing Sessions with another early supporter, Rudy Giuliani, a former New York mayor.

But Giuliani dismissed the report and said Sessions was right to have recused himself from the Russia probe, CNN reported.

Sessions &quot;made the right decision under the rules of the Justice Department,&quot; CNN quoted Giuliani as saying as he arrived at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.&nbsp;

US presidents normally go to great pains to avoid being seen as influencing ongoing or possible investigations, making Trump's attacks on Sessions all the more extraordinary

US President Donald Trump resumed his attacks on Attorney General Jeff Sessions Tuesday, calling his onetime ally "VERY weak" in pursuing intelligence leaks and for failing to go after former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton over her email. Trump's latest Twitter salvo followed a report in the Washington Post that the president and his advisers have discussed replacing Sessions, one of the Republican billionaire's earliest supporters. "Attorney General Jeff Sessions has taken a VERY weak position on Hillary Clinton crimes (where are E-mails &DNC server) & Intel leakers!" Trump tweeted. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has taken a VERY weak position on Hillary Clinton crimes (where are E-mails & DNC server) & Intel leakers! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 25, 2017 × Trump has openly criticised Sessions for recusing himself from overseeing a federal probe into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia to meddle in the 2016 US presidential elections. Sessions has said he has no plans to resign. With pressure mounting from the investigation led by former FBI director Robert Mueller, Trump has sought to revive an election year controversy over Clinton's use of a private server to send email while secretary of state. The White House also alleged last week that the Democrats colluded with Ukraine during the 2016 campaign, adding another twist to the president's counter-offensive. "Ukrainian efforts to sabotage Trump campaign - 'quietly working to boost Clinton.' So where is the investigation A.G.," Trump said in another early morning tweet Tuesday. Ukrainian efforts to sabotage Trump campaign - "quietly working to boost Clinton." So where is the investigation A.G. @seanhannity — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 25, 2017 × 'Beleaguered' US presidents normally go to great pains to avoid being seen as influencing ongoing or possible investigations, making Trump's attacks on Sessions all the more extraordinary. On Monday, Trump took to Twitter to declare his top law enforcement official "beleaguered" as he wondered out loud why Sessions was not investigating Clinton. "So why aren't the Committees and investigators, and of course our beleaguered A.G., looking into Crooked Hillarys crimes & Russia relations?" Trump asked. Trump has expressed increasing anger with Sessions as his Justice Department's investigations into possible Trump-Russia collusion has quickened. Last week, he publicly upbraided Sessions for stepping back from issues related to the probe. Sessions recused himself because of his role on Trump's campaign and because he failed to tell the Senate during his confirmation hearings about contacts he had with the Russian ambassador in Washington. Trump said he would never have hired Sessions had he known he would recuse himself. "I think is very unfair to the president," Trump told The New York Times last week. "It's extremely unfair, and that's a mild word, to the president." Widening probe Trump's eldest son, son-in-law and top aides have become entangled in the widening investigation led by Mueller. Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law and a top White House official, was questioned Monday by a Senate panel about contacts with then Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak, a Russian financier and a Russian lawyer who offered dirt on Clinton. Kushner made a statement denying collusion after testifying behind closed doors, insisting the string of undisclosed meetings with Russian officials were "proper." "Jared Kushner did very well yesterday in proving he did not collude with the Russians. Witch Hunt. Next up, 11 year old Barron Trump!" Trump tweeted on Tuesday. In May, Trump fired FBI director James Comey over the bureau's investigation into Russia. That led to Mueller's appointment as a special prosecutor. The Post report said Trump associates see getting rid of Sessions as part of a potential strategy to fire Mueller and end the Russia investigation. The website Axios reported that Trump was considering replacing Sessions with another early supporter, Rudy Giuliani, a former New York mayor. But Giuliani dismissed the report and said Sessions was right to have recused himself from the Russia probe, CNN reported. Sessions "made the right decision under the rules of the Justice Department," CNN quoted Giuliani as saying as he arrived at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Trump slams Jeff Sessions, questions Ukraine's role in US elections

Embattled US Attorney General Jeff Sessions discussed campaign-related issues with the Russian ambassador to Washington during the presidential race -- something Sessions has insisted he did not do, The Washington Post reported late Friday.

The paper quoted current and former administration officials who cited US intelligence intercepts of Ambassador Sergey Kislyak&#39;s accounts to his bosses in Moscow of two encounters he had with Sessions, then an adviser to Trump, during the campaign.

The report is certain to add more pressure on Sessions, whose job security is seen as being in jeopardy after President Donald Trump criticized him in scathing terms in an interview this week with The New York Times, saying he was sorry he had hired him.

Sessions recused himself in March after it was disclosed that he had in fact met with the ambassador during the campaign, after saying during his confirmation hearing that he had not met with any Russian officials during that period.

But Sessions insisted when he recused himself that he had not talked about the US election campaign with the ambassador.

&quot;I never had meetings with Russian operatives or Russian intermediaries about the Trump campaign,&quot; he said at the time.

However, Kislyak, in briefing his superiors on the meetings, said he and Sessions discussed campaign-related matters including policy issues important to Moscow, the Post said.

It quoted one former official as saying the intercepts suggest Sessions and Kislyak had &quot;substantive&quot; talks on issues including Trump&#39;s positions on Russia-related subjects and prospects for bilateral relations in a Trump administration.

Sessions&#39; account -- he has said he recalls meeting only once with the ambassador -- provided &quot;misleading&quot; statements that are &quot;contradicted by other evidence,&quot; a separate US official said.

The Washington Post quoted current and former administration officials who cited US intelligence intercepts of Ambassador Sergey Kislyak's accounts to his bosses in Moscow of two encounters he had with Sessions, then an adviser to Trump, during the campaign

Embattled US Attorney General Jeff Sessions discussed campaign-related issues with the Russian ambassador to Washington during the presidential race -- something Sessions has insisted he did not do, The Washington Post reported late Friday. The paper quoted current and former administration officials who cited US intelligence intercepts of Ambassador Sergey Kislyak's accounts to his bosses in Moscow of two encounters he had with Sessions, then an adviser to Trump, during the campaign. The report is certain to add more pressure on Sessions, whose job security is seen as being in jeopardy after President Donald Trump criticized him in scathing terms in an interview this week with The New York Times, saying he was sorry he had hired him. Sessions recused himself in March after it was disclosed that he had in fact met with the ambassador during the campaign, after saying during his confirmation hearing that he had not met with any Russian officials during that period. But Sessions insisted when he recused himself that he had not talked about the US election campaign with the ambassador. "I never had meetings with Russian operatives or Russian intermediaries about the Trump campaign," he said at the time. However, Kislyak, in briefing his superiors on the meetings, said he and Sessions discussed campaign-related matters including policy issues important to Moscow, the Post said. It quoted one former official as saying the intercepts suggest Sessions and Kislyak had "substantive" talks on issues including Trump's positions on Russia-related subjects and prospects for bilateral relations in a Trump administration. Sessions' account -- he has said he recalls meeting only once with the ambassador -- provided "misleading" statements that are "contradicted by other evidence," a separate US official said.

Jeff Sessions discussed Trump campaign with Russia envoy: Report

Donald Trump made some comments to the<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/19/us/politics/trump-interview-sessions-russia.html?hp&amp;action=click&amp;pgtype=Homepage&amp;clickSource=story-heading&amp;module=first-column-region&amp;region=top-news&amp;WT.nav=top-news&amp;_r=0" target="_blank"> New York Times</a>&nbsp;in an interview that will make raise the eyebrows of&nbsp;Trump critics already suspicious of his connection to Russia.

He told the NYT that he would not have chosen Attorney General Jeff Sessions if he had known that Sessions would recuse himself from the Russia probe. Is this not tantamount to Trump admitting that the real purpose of his&nbsp;attorney general&nbsp;is to protect&nbsp;him&nbsp;from&nbsp;the Russia scandal?

Whatever else he thinks of Sessions&#39; job up to now apparently means nothing if Sessions&nbsp;cannot keep him insulated from the Russia investigation.

Sessions&#39; recusal allowed for the appointment of special investigator Robert S Mueller III. Sessions recused himself from anything to do with Trump-Russia after it became known that he had misled the public, denying under oath he met with any Russians during the election when in fact he had met twice with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak.

Trump called Sessions&#39; recusal&nbsp;&quot;very unfair to the president&quot;.&nbsp;The President did not explain why the&nbsp;highest legal authority in the country deciding to recuse himself on investigations&nbsp;after possibly committing perjury related to them is unfair.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Trump&#39;s finances &#39;beyond Russia probe&#39;

In the Times interview, asked if Mueller&#39;s investigation would cross a line if it investigated Trump&#39;s finances beyond the Russia probe, Trump responded &quot;I would say, yes.

&quot;I think that&#39;s a violation. Look, this is about Russia,&quot; Trump said. But that&#39;s just it: Trump is accused of being deeply connected to Russia, and the fact that it is impossible to tell&nbsp;where his personal finances end and his political connections to Russia&nbsp;begin is precisely&nbsp;what&#39;s being investigated.

It is impossible to investigate Trump&#39;s connnections to Russia without examining&nbsp;all his financial ties to Russia. Trump must know this.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
His attacks on Mueller tell me a lot. He KNOWS how bad it is. His &quot;warning&quot; to Mueller tells me finally understands how bad it is.
&mdash; Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRickWilson/status/887839303820353537">July 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

For example, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/kushner-firms-285-million-deutsche-bank-loan-came-just-before-election-day/2017/06/25/984f3acc-4f88-11e7-b064-828ba60fbb98_story.html?tid=ss_tw&amp;utm_term=.c4cf5e044286" target="_blank">Jared Kushner</a>, Trump&#39;s son in law and a White House adviser,&nbsp;failed to disclose on his security form that just before the 2016 election his company&nbsp;borrowed $285 million from Deutsche Bank to purchase a Manhattan building owned by Lev Leviev, a self-described&nbsp;&quot;true friend&quot; of Russian President Vladimir&nbsp;Putin.&nbsp;

Incidentally, Kushner denied having any foreign contacts on his security clearance form, a serious form necessary to get White House clearance. He has revised his form multiple times since new revelations were made public, and now the amount of foreign contacts has increased from 0 to over 100. Misrepresenting information on this form is a felony that risks five years of jail time.

Trump&nbsp;chose not to make&nbsp;his tax return&nbsp;public, the first presidential candidate not to take this basic step of transparency in about forty years. First Trump&nbsp;said he would disclose his tax return, then&nbsp;said he was prevented from doing so because he was under audit (it&#39;s true he was under audit, but false that he was prevented him from making them public), then flat out said he wouldn&#39;t.

On January 22 spokesman Kellyanne Conway said he would not release his taxes after all because &quot;<a href="http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/videos/a52466/donald-trump-tax-returns-timeline/" target="_blank">nobody cares</a>&quot;. This also is not true. Over 60 per cent of Americans want Trump to release his taxes publicly.

&nbsp;

Trump&#39;s base believes nothing the media says, even when a Trump says it&nbsp;

&quot;I don&#39;t think we&#39;re under investigation,&quot; Trump told the New York Times.&nbsp;He knows this is not true. &quot;I&#39;m not under investigation. For what? I didn&#39;t do anything wrong,&quot; Trump lied. &nbsp;He is under multiple investigations, including a criminal one&nbsp;for alleged obstruction of justice since firing James Comey, the former FBI Director who was investigating Trump&#39;s Russian connections.

It&#39;s impossible to be under multiple investigations&nbsp;and fire the person leading the most high-profile one without knowing&nbsp;you&#39;re under investigation.

But premeditated, repeated lying&nbsp;has benefited the Trumps. Repeated attacks on the media have had their intended effect: An enormous per cent of his base believes in the Trump&#39;s innocence despite what the media carries, even when&nbsp;the Trump&#39;s themselves admit their&nbsp;guilt.

According to a recent <a href="http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/342700-poll-nearly-half-of-trump-voters-dont-think-trump-jr-met-with-russian">poll</a>, almost one third&nbsp;of Trump voters&nbsp;do not believe Donald Trump Jr&nbsp;met with a &quot;Russian government lawyer&quot;, despite Trump Jr himself admitting he&nbsp;met&nbsp;with a &quot;Russian government lawyer.

He&nbsp;published emails that clearly showing&nbsp;the date of the meeting with the&nbsp;&quot;Russian government lawyer&quot;&nbsp;in Trump Tower. Nobody on either side denies the meeting took place. There is no reason to suppose it didn&#39;t.

Yet 32&nbsp;per cent of Trump voters said they do not believe the meeting took place, while 24&nbsp;per cent aren&#39;t sure.

An interview with Trump&nbsp;can be revealing, in a way, but&nbsp;investigators must&nbsp;go far beyond his words and search his financial records.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The comments come in a wide-ranging New York Times interview

Donald Trump made some comments to the New York Times in an interview that will make raise the eyebrows of Trump critics already suspicious of his connection to Russia. He told the NYT that he would not have chosen Attorney General Jeff Sessions if he had known that Sessions would recuse himself from the Russia probe. Is this not tantamount to Trump admitting that the real purpose of his attorney general is to protect him from the Russia scandal? Whatever else he thinks of Sessions' job up to now apparently means nothing if Sessions cannot keep him insulated from the Russia investigation. Sessions' recusal allowed for the appointment of special investigator Robert S Mueller III. Sessions recused himself from anything to do with Trump-Russia after it became known that he had misled the public, denying under oath he met with any Russians during the election when in fact he had met twice with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak. Trump called Sessions' recusal "very unfair to the president". The President did not explain why the highest legal authority in the country deciding to recuse himself on investigations after possibly committing perjury related to them is unfair. Trump's finances 'beyond Russia probe' In the Times interview, asked if Mueller's investigation would cross a line if it investigated Trump's finances beyond the Russia probe, Trump responded "I would say, yes. "I think that's a violation. Look, this is about Russia," Trump said. But that's just it: Trump is accused of being deeply connected to Russia, and the fact that it is impossible to tell where his personal finances end and his political connections to Russia begin is precisely what's being investigated. It is impossible to investigate Trump's connnections to Russia without examining all his financial ties to Russia. Trump must know this. His attacks on Mueller tell me a lot. He KNOWS how bad it is. His "warning" to Mueller tells me finally understands how bad it is. — Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) July 20, 2017 × For example, Jared Kushner, Trump's son in law and a White House adviser, failed to disclose on his security form that just before the 2016 election his company borrowed $285 million from Deutsche Bank to purchase a Manhattan building owned by Lev Leviev, a self-described "true friend" of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Incidentally, Kushner denied having any foreign contacts on his security clearance form, a serious form necessary to get White House clearance. He has revised his form multiple times since new revelations were made public, and now the amount of foreign contacts has increased from 0 to over 100. Misrepresenting information on this form is a felony that risks five years of jail time. Trump chose not to make his tax return public, the first presidential candidate not to take this basic step of transparency in about forty years. First Trump said he would disclose his tax return, then said he was prevented from doing so because he was under audit (it's true he was under audit, but false that he was prevented him from making them public), then flat out said he wouldn't. On January 22 spokesman Kellyanne Conway said he would not release his taxes after all because "nobody cares". This also is not true. Over 60 per cent of Americans want Trump to release his taxes publicly. Trump's base believes nothing the media says, even when a Trump says it "I don't think we're under investigation," Trump told the New York Times. He knows this is not true. "I'm not under investigation. For what? I didn't do anything wrong," Trump lied. He is under multiple investigations, including a criminal one for alleged obstruction of justice since firing James Comey, the former FBI Director who was investigating Trump's Russian connections. It's impossible to be under multiple investigations and fire the person leading the most high-profile one without knowing you're under investigation. But premeditated, repeated lying has benefited the Trumps. Repeated attacks on the media have had their intended effect: An enormous per cent of his base believes in the Trump's innocence despite what the media carries, even when the Trump's themselves admit their guilt. According to a recent poll, almost one third of Trump voters do not believe Donald Trump Jr met with a "Russian government lawyer", despite Trump Jr himself admitting he met with a "Russian government lawyer. He published emails that clearly showing the date of the meeting with the "Russian government lawyer" in Trump Tower. Nobody on either side denies the meeting took place. There is no reason to suppose it didn't. Yet 32 per cent of Trump voters said they do not believe the meeting took place, while 24 per cent aren't sure. An interview with Trump can be revealing, in a way, but investigators must go far beyond his words and search his financial records.

Trump: 'Sessions should never have recused himself", warns Mueller about investigating his finances

A lobbyist working on behalf of Russian interests says he attended two dinners hosted by Jeff Sessions during the 2016 election campaign&mdash; contradicting a key claim the US Attorney General made during his Senate testimony this week. 
&nbsp; 
Sessions said in his hearing that he did not &ldquo;believe&rdquo; he had contacts with any lobbyists working for Russia during the presidential race. 
&nbsp; 
But Richard Burt told The Guardian that he could confirm previous media reports that stated he had contacts with Sessions at the time. 
&nbsp; 
&ldquo;I did attend two dinners with groups of former Republican foreign policy officials and Senator Sessions,&rdquo; Burt told The Guardian. 
&nbsp; 
Burt also said that he was not sure whether Sessions knew about his role as a lobbyist for Russian interests. 
&nbsp; 
But he noted that his lobbying interests are in public records and that his direct connection to Trump was obvious. 
&nbsp; 
Burt previously served on the advisory board of Alfa Capital Partners, a private equity fund where Russia&rsquo;s Alfa Bank was an investor. 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

His statement contradicts a key claim the US Attorney General made during his Senate testimony this week

A lobbyist working on behalf of Russian interests says he attended two dinners hosted by Jeff Sessions during the 2016 election campaign— contradicting a key claim the US Attorney General made during his Senate testimony this week. Sessions said in his hearing that he did not “believe” he had contacts with any lobbyists working for Russia during the presidential race. But Richard Burt told The Guardian that he could confirm previous media reports that stated he had contacts with Sessions at the time. “I did attend two dinners with groups of former Republican foreign policy officials and Senator Sessions,” Burt told The Guardian. Burt also said that he was not sure whether Sessions knew about his role as a lobbyist for Russian interests. But he noted that his lobbying interests are in public records and that his direct connection to Trump was obvious. Burt previously served on the advisory board of Alfa Capital Partners, a private equity fund where Russia’s Alfa Bank was an investor.

Lobbyist for Russia says he attended two dinners hosted by Jeff Sessions

Jeff Sessions, a longtime senator until President Donald Trump picked him as US attorney general, heads to Congress this coming week when he will face a grilling about his Russian interactions.

Sessions, among the earliest high-profile backers of Trump&#39;s election campaign, appears before his former colleagues Tuesday, days after explosive testimony by ousted FBI director James Comey, whose removal he recommended.

Concerns have been raised about whether Sessions helped otherwise subvert the ongoing Russia-related investigations.

&quot;This is going to prompt a lot of questions for him,&quot; the panel&#39;s top Democrat, Senator Patrick Leahy, told AFP of an appearance in which lawmakers will be eager to learn what role Sessions played in Comey&#39;s firing last month.

The Senate Appropriations Committee had called in the attorney general to testify about budget issues. But on Saturday, after senators made clear they would zero in on Sessions&#39;s connections to Russia, Sessions shifted his plan, opting to address the Senate Intelligence Committee.

&quot;In light of reports regarding Mr Comey&#39;s recent testimony before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, it is important that I have an opportunity to address these matters,&quot; Sessions said in a letter announcing the change.

The intelligence panel &quot;is the most appropriate forum for such matters, as it has been conducting an investigation and has access to relevant, classified information,&quot; he added.

With reports circulating that Trump had been clashing with his attorney general, and that Sessions had offered to resign, the White House on Tuesday declined to say whether the president maintained confidence in Sessions.

And in a stunning moment of inside-the-Beltway intrigue, Comey dropped a bombshell about why he and other top FBI officials concluded that the attorney general was going to recuse himself from the probe.

&quot;We also were aware of facts that I can&#39;t discuss in an open setting that would make his continued engagement in a Russia-related investigation problematic,&quot; Comey said.

&nbsp;

&#39;Something big&#39;

Although Sessions, a&nbsp;70-year-old from the southern state of Alabama who served 20 years in the Senate, backed Trump&#39;s campaign, he was also one of the first administration officials to fly into turbulence. During his January confirmation hearing he failed to disclose meetings he held with Russian officials.

On March 1, The Washington Post reported that he met twice with the Russian ambassador, Sergey Kislyak, during the campaign.

The following day, Sessions recused himself from the Russia probe, and several top Democrats, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, demanded he resign. Sessions refused.

He may also be under a cloud of suspicion after Comey, in his devastating testimony, suggested the attorney general may have failed to take appropriate steps to protect the FBI chief.

At the conclusion of a February 14 meeting in the White House, Comey testified, Trump urged everyone else but Comey to leave the Oval Office, including Sessions.

&quot;My impression was, something big is about to happen,&quot; Comey said, as he recalled the encounter. &quot;My sense was the attorney general knew he shouldn&#39;t be leaving,&quot; Comey added.&nbsp;

When the two men were alone, the ex-FBI director said, Trump urged Comey to stop the investigation into fired national security advisor Michael Flynn.

In written testimony Comey said he told Sessions it was &quot;inappropriate&quot; for him to leave the FBI director alone with the president, and that Sessions &quot;did not reply&quot;.

With Sessions already under fire for failing to disclose the two meetings with Russians, CNN reported last week that investigators were looking into a possible third Sessions meeting with Kislyak, on the sidelines of an April 27, 2016 campaign event in Washington.

Despite his recusal, Sessions in May signed a letter to Trump recommending he remove Comey, the man overseeing the investigation into Russian election meddling and the possible Russia-Trump nexus.

Lawmakers and critics have expressed concern about any possible role by Sessions in either sacking Comey, or in subverting the ongoing investigation by the FBI.

&quot;There remain a number of questions about his own interactions with the Russians,&quot; Republican Senator Susan Collins told CNN Friday.

&quot;We on the Intelligence Committee want to know the answers to those questions, and we have begun to request information from the attorney general to allow us to get to the bottom of that.&quot;

With the Russia story spreading, the Justice Department in May appointed former FBI director Robert Mueller, widely respected within both parties, as a special counsel to head a separate Russia probe.

(AFP)

Concerns have been raised about whether Sessions helped otherwise subvert the ongoing Russia-related investigations

Jeff Sessions, a longtime senator until President Donald Trump picked him as US attorney general, heads to Congress this coming week when he will face a grilling about his Russian interactions. Sessions, among the earliest high-profile backers of Trump's election campaign, appears before his former colleagues Tuesday, days after explosive testimony by ousted FBI director James Comey, whose removal he recommended. Concerns have been raised about whether Sessions helped otherwise subvert the ongoing Russia-related investigations. "This is going to prompt a lot of questions for him," the panel's top Democrat, Senator Patrick Leahy, told AFP of an appearance in which lawmakers will be eager to learn what role Sessions played in Comey's firing last month. The Senate Appropriations Committee had called in the attorney general to testify about budget issues. But on Saturday, after senators made clear they would zero in on Sessions's connections to Russia, Sessions shifted his plan, opting to address the Senate Intelligence Committee. "In light of reports regarding Mr Comey's recent testimony before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, it is important that I have an opportunity to address these matters," Sessions said in a letter announcing the change. The intelligence panel "is the most appropriate forum for such matters, as it has been conducting an investigation and has access to relevant, classified information," he added. With reports circulating that Trump had been clashing with his attorney general, and that Sessions had offered to resign, the White House on Tuesday declined to say whether the president maintained confidence in Sessions. And in a stunning moment of inside-the-Beltway intrigue, Comey dropped a bombshell about why he and other top FBI officials concluded that the attorney general was going to recuse himself from the probe. "We also were aware of facts that I can't discuss in an open setting that would make his continued engagement in a Russia-related investigation problematic," Comey said. 'Something big' Although Sessions, a 70-year-old from the southern state of Alabama who served 20 years in the Senate, backed Trump's campaign, he was also one of the first administration officials to fly into turbulence. During his January confirmation hearing he failed to disclose meetings he held with Russian officials. On March 1, The Washington Post reported that he met twice with the Russian ambassador, Sergey Kislyak, during the campaign. The following day, Sessions recused himself from the Russia probe, and several top Democrats, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, demanded he resign. Sessions refused. He may also be under a cloud of suspicion after Comey, in his devastating testimony, suggested the attorney general may have failed to take appropriate steps to protect the FBI chief. At the conclusion of a February 14 meeting in the White House, Comey testified, Trump urged everyone else but Comey to leave the Oval Office, including Sessions. "My impression was, something big is about to happen," Comey said, as he recalled the encounter. "My sense was the attorney general knew he shouldn't be leaving," Comey added. When the two men were alone, the ex-FBI director said, Trump urged Comey to stop the investigation into fired national security advisor Michael Flynn. In written testimony Comey said he told Sessions it was "inappropriate" for him to leave the FBI director alone with the president, and that Sessions "did not reply". With Sessions already under fire for failing to disclose the two meetings with Russians, CNN reported last week that investigators were looking into a possible third Sessions meeting with Kislyak, on the sidelines of an April 27, 2016 campaign event in Washington. Despite his recusal, Sessions in May signed a letter to Trump recommending he remove Comey, the man overseeing the investigation into Russian election meddling and the possible Russia-Trump nexus. Lawmakers and critics have expressed concern about any possible role by Sessions in either sacking Comey, or in subverting the ongoing investigation by the FBI. "There remain a number of questions about his own interactions with the Russians," Republican Senator Susan Collins told CNN Friday. "We on the Intelligence Committee want to know the answers to those questions, and we have begun to request information from the attorney general to allow us to get to the bottom of that." With the Russia story spreading, the Justice Department in May appointed former FBI director Robert Mueller, widely respected within both parties, as a special counsel to head a separate Russia probe. (AFP)

US attorney general next in scandal's spotlight

jeff-sessions

Jeff Sessions, News on Jeff Sessions, stories on Jeff Sessions, articles on Jeff Sessions, Jeff Sessions stories at Wion, Jeff Sessions news, Jeff Sessions latest news

jeff sessions