Bloomberg reported Tuesday that Attorney General Jeff Sessions will not be recusing himself from the probe into Michael Cohen, President Trump’s longtime personal lawyer.
This means Sessions will have the right to access briefings on the investigation’s status and to have a say on decisions made by prosecutors, such as whether they should issue certain subpoenas or indictments.
Trump most likely favors this decision, since it means he’ll have someone he can ask for details of the investigation.
Sessions will be testifying on Wednesday and Thursday before Democrats who believe he should step down and Republicans who think the opposite.
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In a statement regarding Sessions’ decision, the Justice Department said, “The attorney general considers his potential recusal on a matter-by-matter basis as may be needed. To the extent a matter comes to the attention of his office that may warrant consideration of recusal, the attorney general would review the issue and consult with the appropriate Department ethics experts.â€
The investigation into Michael Cohen primarily focuses on allegations made by Stephanie Clifford, a porn actress who goes professionally by the name Stormy Daniels. Clifford alleges that she was paid $130,000 shortly before Election Day 2016 in exchange for her silence on an extramarital affair she and Donald Trump had in 2006. If it was indeed paid by the Trump campaign, it would have been an illegal payment.
Cohen claimed in February that he paid Clifford the money out of his own pockets without telling Trump.
Two weeks ago, the FBI raided the lawyer’s home and got its hands on emails, business records, and other documents.
The investigation and the press surrounding it has caused Trump endless headaches. Having someone with access to information into the probe is undoubtedly something he wanted.
