Sessions 'hurt' as Trump rumored to be lining up recess firing

Jeff Sessions has conceded that criticism of his performance as US attorney general from President Donald Trump has been "hurtful", but pledged to continue in the job despite speculation that the president may be lining up a recess replacement.

Trump has issued a string of criticisms, via Twitter, interviews, and at the press conference podium, over recent weeks. He has variously described Sessions, one of his earliest supporters, as "weak" and "beleaguered."

US Attorney General Jeff Sessions has been under fire from President Donald Trump for recusing himself from the Russia investigation. /AFP Photo

"Well, it's kind of hurtful but the president of the United States is a strong leader," Sessions told Fox News on Thursday evening.

Sessions told AP that he shares a 'harmony of values and beliefs' with Trump and is committed to the president's agenda "as long as he sees that as appropriate."

Russia and Mueller

Trump told the New York Times earlier this week that Sessions should not have recused himself from the investigation into possible links between the Trump presidential campaign and Russia.

The investigation has since grown rapidly, notably with the appointment of Robert Mueller as special counsel looking into a range of angles linked to alleged Russia links.

Former FBI Director Robert Mueller, special counsel on the Russian investigation, leaves a meeting with members of the US Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington, DC on June 21, 2017. /AFP Photo‍

Mueller is reported in US media to be investigating Trump for possible obstruction of justice, for firing former FBI boss James Comey and over allegations he tried to interfere in an inquiry into former national security adviser Michael Flynn. Last week it was reported that Mueller is probing Trump's business ties.

Trump is rumored to be keen to show Sessions the door and replace him with someone who would be willing to bring an end to the Mueller investigation. However, US Senator Lindsay Graham revealed on Thursday that he is drafting legislation that would prevent Trump from ditching Mueller.

Why is firing Sessions risky?

Sessions was the earliest big name supporter of the Trump presidential campaign, taking a risk by stepping out ahead of other elected officials to back the businessman's candidacy.

He is popular among the nationalist base that helped the president get elected, and is close to Trump adviser Steve Bannon. Sacking Sessions could cause disquiet among Trump's core support, especially as new names with different backgrounds move into the White House.

Protesters call for the resignation of US Attorney General Jeff Sessions in front of the Justice Department in Washington, DC on March 2, 2017. /AFP Photo

Sessions, who gave up his seat in the Senate in order to take up the role of attorney general, has also received strong support from his former colleagues in Congress. Trump needs their support to make progress on his legislative agenda.

Senator Graham warned on Thursday there would be "holy hell" if Trump fired Sessions. "It's unfair to Jeff Sessions, he's a good man who deserves better, and some of the suggestions the president is making go way beyond what's acceptable," Graham said.

Recess speculation

Were Trump to fire Sessions any replacement would have to be confirmed by the Senate, unless the president waited until the Congress went into recess.

A recess appointment would allow Trump to bypass Senate confirmation if the Senate recesses for 10 days or more in August, meaning he could put his own person in charge of the justice department without oversight from Congress.

Senate Minority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer on Capitol Hill on July 18, 2017 in Washington, DC. He has vowed to disrupt any attempt at a recess appointment. /AFP Photo

Such a move would create a "constitutional crisis," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer warned on the floor this week. Senate Democrats are working on ways to stop a formal recess adjournment, which if successful would take this option off the table.

"Let me say, if such a situation arises, Democrats would use every tool in our toolbox to stymie such a recess appointment," Schumer added.

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