WASHINGTON, DC – Today, after President Trump ousted Attorney General Jeff Sessions, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) urged Senate Republicans to uphold the bedrock principle that no American -- not even the President -- is above the law and also urged Sessions’ chief of staff, Matthew Whitaker, who President Trump named as acting attorney general, to recuse himself from Mueller probe:

“President Trump repeatedly pressured Jeff Sessions to use his position to try to interfere and inject politics into independent law enforcement actions.  Clearly, President Trump wants to install an Attorney General who will put loyalty to the President above loyalty to the facts and the law. 

“Yesterday, a vast majority of Americans voted for more accountability and oversight of the Trump Administration, not less.  If President Trump thinks forcing the Attorney General out now will prevent him from being held accountable, he is mistaken.

“Republicans must join Democrats in protecting the Mueller investigation from political interference.  The special counsel probe has already led to over 100 criminal counts against more than 30 individuals and three companies, and resulted in eight convictions. 

“Americans of all political stripes should want a justice system that is fair, not one that can be rigged to benefit those in power.  

“The acting Attorney General must recuse himself from overseeing the special counsel probe.  If Mr. Whitaker fails to recuse himself, it will be a sure sign that he will put partisanship ahead of fidelity to the Constitution."