Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein is reportedly considering resigning (or anticipating being fired) from his position on Monday, according to CNBC. Reports of Rosenstein’s resignation first broke a week after The New York Times reported that Rosenstein was considering implementing the 25th Amendment to impeach President Trump. The Times also reported that Rosenstein discussed wearing a wire during meetings with President Trump.
Rosenstein has denied the reports, claiming the comments were meant as sarcasm. However, sources close to the White House say that Rosenstein was heading to the White House this morning expecting to be fired. Rosenstein’s rumored resignation is in lieu of an assumed firing by President Trump.
The Department of Justice’s second in command, Rosenstein is known for appointing Special Counsel Robert Mueller to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Rosenstein has ignored Trump’s repeated criticisms of Mueller throughout the investigation, leading Trump to attack Rosenstein in a heated Twitter rant.
BREAKING: Rod Rosenstein’s possible firing will jeopardize the Mueller investigation.
Here’s why it matters:
— #MarchForTruth (@MarchForTruth17) September 24, 2018
Rosenstein has also previously come under fire by President Trump for ordering the raid on Michael Cohen’s home and workplace—an order that was also in regards to the Russia probe. Cohen, Trump’s former attorney, has already pleaded guilty to crimes such as tax evasion and reportedly is talking to Mueller in regards to Trump’s potential collusion with Russian officials.
Reports of Rosenstein’s resignation or firing has left people questioning the future of the Russia investigation, worried that the U.S. Solicitor General Noel Francisco, who will oversee the Russia investigation in Rosenstein’s absence, will fire Mueller. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has already excused himself from the case.
Under no circumstances should Rod Rosenstein resign. This would place the Mueller investigation in even greater jeopardy. Rosenstein should continue to do his job, protect the independence of the DOJ, and if the President intends to obstruct justice, force Trump to fire him.
— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) September 24, 2018
Though a registered Republican, Rosenstein has received bipartisan support in his oversight of the ongoing Russia investigation. His potential resignation or firing will create opportunities for President Trump to stonewall the Mueller probe.
Conflicting reports have stated that it is unclear whether Trump will accept Rosenstein’s resignation or if he will outright fire him. Politicians across the aisle are imploring the White House and Rosenstein to keep his position.
The President and Rosenstein will reportedly meet Thursday to further discuss the position of Deputy Attorney General.