State AGs Call For Whitaker to Recuse Himself From Mueller Probe

Following the firing of Jeff Sessions, more than a dozen attorneys general are calling for Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker to recuse himself from Special Counsel Robert Mueller‘s investigation of Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

In a letter dated Thursday, the coalition contended that Whitaker, a known opponent of Mueller’s probe, could be harboring bias.

“Because a reasonable person could question your impartiality in the matter, your recusal is necessary to maintain public trust in the integrity of the investigation and to protect the essential and longstanding independence of the Department you have been chosen to lead, on an acting basis,” it read.

The letter also noted that Whitaker had made no secret of his opinions on Mueller’s work, which could prove problematic for the special counsel.

“You must be aware that your public comments criticizing Mr. Mueller’s investigation have been
widely circulated,” the attorneys general wrote. “At various opportunities – in print, on television, and through social media – you have suggested cutting the Special Counsel’s budget or limiting his authority to follow lines of inquiry.”

So far, 18 attorneys general signed the letter from Massachusetts, New York, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia.

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