WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Thursday confirmed William Barr as attorney general, placing the veteran government official and lawyer atop the Justice Department as special counsel Robert Mueller investigates Russian interference in the 2016 election. Barr, who previously served as attorney general from 1991 to 1993, will succeed Jeff Sessions. Opponents of Barr also pointed to a memo he wrote to Justice officials before his nomination. That view has alarmed Democrats, especially since the obstruction inquiry has been central to Mueller’s investigation. The criticism extended to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller as special counsel.

Source: Huffington Post February 14, 2019 18:54 UTC