The country reacts to former UI student and Hawkeye football player becoming attorney general
Sessions is gone and UI alum Matthew Whitaker is replacing him for now.
November 8, 2018
After President Trump fired Jeff Sessions on Wednesday, it was announced that Matthew Whitaker would take his place, at least temporarily, as the interim attorney general.
Whitaker is a UI alum and former Hawkeye football player, playing in the 1991 Rose Bowl.
In his new role, Whitaker will oversee special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation.
Whitaker has voiced his criticism of the investigation in the past, including writing an opinion column for CNN titled “Muller’s investigation of Trump is going too far.”
Aside from the column, Whitaker said in an interview on Sirius XM radio that “There’s not a single piece of evidence that demonstrates that the Trump campaign had any illegal or improper relationships with Russians.”
Whitaker said in a statement on Wednesday that he is “committed to leading a fair Department with the highest ethical standards, that upholds the rule of law, and seeks justice for all Americans.”
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) released a statement Wednesday night about Whitaker, stating “Fellow Iowan Matt Whitaker is a man of integrity and values. As Acting Attorney General, Matt Whitaker is a steady hand that will provide good leadership and judgment, and will ensure that the United States Department of Justice upholds the highest standards of the rule of law.”
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) reiterated what his fellow senator said about Whitaker in his own statement.
“I look forward to working with Matt Whitaker as he takes the helm of the Justice Department. A fellow Iowan, who I’ve known for many years, Matt will work hard and make us proud. The Justice Department is in good hands during this time of transition.”
Politicians from around the nation also reacted to Whitaker’s new role on Twitter.
Trump tweeted that Whitaker will “serve our Country well.”
We are pleased to announce that Matthew G. Whitaker, Chief of Staff to Attorney General Jeff Sessions at the Department of Justice, will become our new Acting Attorney General of the United States. He will serve our Country well….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 7, 2018
Senator-elect and former Presidential nominee Mitt Romney (R-Utah) thanked Sessions and stressed the importance of the Mueller investigation.
I want to thank Jeff Sessions for his service to our country as Attorney General. Under Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, it is imperative that the important work of the Justice Department continues, and that the Mueller investigation proceeds to its conclusion unimpeded.
— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) November 7, 2018
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) said it is troubling that Whitaker has been critical of the Mueller investigation.
It is deeply troubling that Acting AG Matthew Whitaker has previously publicly criticized the Mueller investigation. He must recuse himself from overseeing the probe so that it can proceed without interference — and Congress must pass legislation to protect it.
— Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) November 8, 2018
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) echoed other Democrats’ concerns saying that Whitaker should come before the Senate Judiciary Committee as soon as possible.
The president has made abundantly clear that he’ll take any action he can to undermine the Mueller investigation. No one who lacks Senate confirmation should be placed in charge of this investigation, especially Matthew Whitaker who publicly criticized Mueller’s work last year. pic.twitter.com/lXsCm5P3UA
— Sen Dianne Feinstein (@SenFeinstein) November 7, 2018
People around the country, including in Iowa City, protested Whitaker’s appointment to oversee the Mueller investigation.
Hundred here in #RhodeIsland to demand that #MatthewWhitaker Recuse himself. One of 900 protests across the USA. #ProtectMueller #ProtectMueller #ProtectMueller pic.twitter.com/a8C4qDtUQA
— Timmons Roberts (@TimmonsRoberts) November 8, 2018
BREAKING: More than 100,000 people across the country came out to protest Matthew Whitaker’s appointment to oversee the Mueller investigation.
From Akron to Pittsburgh to Asbury Park to Fort Lauderdale to NYC to DC to Baltimore to LA to Auburn folks came out! #protectMueller pic.twitter.com/laMD5UgjDr
— Zac Petkanas (@Zac_Petkanas) November 9, 2018
A few hundred people have gathered on the Mn state Capitol steps protest to President Trump installing longtime ally Matthew Whitaker as Acting Attorney General. They want to protect Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into the Russian interference in the 2016 election pic.twitter.com/hT3KyPADMM
— Liz Sawyer (@ByLizSawyer) November 8, 2018
