William Barr Confirmed as Attorney General of the United States by Senate

On Thursday, February 14, the U.S. Senate confirmed William Barr as the new Attorney General of the country. Barr received 55 votes in favor and 45 against. According to Reuters, all Republicans in the Senate voted in favor of Barr, while most Democrats opposed him. It is reported that Barr is likely to be sworn in as Attorney General and head of the U.S. Department of Justice before Saturday. Trump nominated William Barr as Attorney General. The position of Attorney General has gained special significance due to the ongoing investigation by Robert Mueller, the special counsel investigating Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Meanwhile, Barr emphasized in a Senate committee hearing in January that he would not impede Mueller's investigation. Barr stated that he does not believe Mueller, who has been his friend for thirty years and once worked for him at the Justice Department, would pursue anyone out of malice or spite. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized the investigation into Russian interference in the presidential election, calling it a case of 'malicious prosecution.' Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions resigned from his position in November at the request of the President. Trump heavily criticized Sessions for recusing himself from the investigation into potential Russian interference in the election. After Sessions' dismissal, Trump appointed his deputy, Matthew Whitaker, as acting head of the Justice Department, which drew criticism from Democratic lawmakers. The President denies any collusion between his campaign and Russia. William Barr served as Attorney General from 1991 to 1993 under President George H.W. Bush. Trump claims that Barr is respected by both major parties, Republicans and Democrats.