Trump Criticizes Attorney General Over Phone Tapping Investigation

The President of the United States has criticized Jeff Sessions, his Attorney General, for delegating the investigation into phone tapping to the Inspector General of the Justice Department. The Attorney General of the United States has entrusted further investigations into potential abuses of the phone tapping law to the Inspector General. Donald Trump described this action as a source of 'shame' in his Twitter messages. Hours after Trump's initial criticisms, Sessions defended the delegation of the investigation to Michael Horowitz, the Inspector General, stating that he would 'carry out all his duties with pride and without flaw.' Several Republican members of Congress also criticized Trump's reaction, stating that it undermines the independence of the judiciary and that the executive branch should not interfere in the judiciary's work. Trump stated on Twitter that the investigation into potential government abuse of the phone tapping law for security purposes should be left to lawyers and is not within Michael Horowitz's purview. Michael Horowitz has been appointed as Inspector General since April 2012. The Inspector General is an independent entity and watchdog of the judiciary that can investigate any violations of law or potential misconduct within the judiciary and among its staff. If the Inspector General's office finds any deficiencies in judicial matters, it must refer the complete case and evidence to a prosecutor for review. In his statement, Sessions wrote that delegating the discussion of phone tapping abuse to the Inspector General's office is appropriate and allows for any improper use to be identified and pursued fairly. Sessions stated in this statement: 'As long as I am in the position of Attorney General, I will carry out my duties in accordance with the law, the Constitution, and without flaw or violation.' Jeff Sessions recused himself from the investigation into potential Russian interference in the U.S. presidential election to avoid hindering it. Following that, he appointed his deputy, Robert Mueller, as special counsel in this case.