Meet acting Attorney General Monty Wilkerson who is holding the job until the Senate approves President Joe Biden’s AG pick Merrick Garland. This is the first time he stepped in front of the pubic lens as he asked 56 US attorneys whom Donald Trump appointed to resign. There are a few exceptions. Three prominent ones come to mind.
The three Trump US Supreme Court justice will, of course, remain. There are also two attorneys in the middle of two crucial investigations, US Attorney David Weiss from Delaware is managing President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter’s investigation. Special Counsel John Durham from Connecticut is investigating the Trump-Russia investigation’s inception, according to a top Department of Justice (DOJ) official.
The resignations should begin Tuesday when the Trump Impeachment II trial begins. CNN reported:
‘Justice officials have scheduled a call with US attorneys around the country to discuss a transition that is expected to take weeks. The Justice official didn’t say when the resignations would take effect.’
Asking the US attorneys to resign is typical. However, the process is rarely simple. When former Attorney General Jeff Session came to office in 2017, he asked 46 Obama-era attorney s to resign with a few exceptions.
The primary reason President Biden has requested these retirements earlier than usual is the well-placed lack of trust between Trump and Biden: Reuters reported:
‘Distrust of Trump-era appointees led the Biden administration to appoint a career Justice Department official as acting attorney general while it waits for the US Senate to confirm Merrick Garland, the President’s nominee to lead the department.’
There are 94 US attorneys in districts throughout the nation. Some US attorneys resigned prior to Biden’s inauguration, and 25 are acting US attorneys.
Biden had hoped to see Garland confirmed before the Trump impeachment trial began, but former Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-SC) opposed moving quickly on Garland’s hearing. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delayed the committee chair transfers.
The DOJ will also retain acting US attorney in Washington, DC, Michael Sherwin who is managing the January 6 attack on the US Capitol investigation. Cleveland.com reported that Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) indicated:
‘DeVillers is going to be replaced and has put out a call for resumes. eVillers is currently overseeing two high-profile corruption investigations involving a former Republican lawmaker and Cincinnati council members that includes a Democrat.’
Huber also investigated “Hillary Clinton’s business dealings and the Clinton Foundation:”
‘Huber was first appointed by former President Barack Obama and then reappointed by Trump. During his second time as the US attorney, Huber was tasked by Sessions to reexamine a previous Justice Department investigation of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton’s business dealings and the Clinton Foundation.’
‘Huber ended his probe, concluding there wasn’t reason to reopen the investigation, a decision that irritated Barr, according to people briefed on the matter. Barr tasked Brady with reviewing claims related to Ukraine and the Biden family made by Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani.’
The Mueller Report Adventures: In Bite-Sizes on this Facebook page. These quick, two-minute reads interpret the report in normal English for busy people. Mueller Bite-Sizes uncovers what is essentially a compelling spy mystery. Interestingly enough, Mueller Bite-Sizes can be read in any order.
