A new report alleges President Donald Trump has his eye on showing the door to both Attorney General Jeff Sessions and National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster.
Vanity Fair reports:
And three sources told me that the next official likely to go is National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster, who, like Tillerson, had advocated for remaining in the deal.
Last Tuesday, Trump met with ultra-hawkish former U.N. ambassador John Bolton in the Oval Office to discuss a potential job offer. Bolton has for years argued that the United States should pre-emptively attack Tehran. […]
According to a person who spoke with Bolton after the meeting, Bolton recalled that Trump said he wanted him to join the administration: “We need you in here, John.” Bolton responded that there were only two jobs he’d consider: secretary of state and national security adviser. Trump said, “O.K, I’ll call you really soon.” Sources added that Trump spent much of the time with Bolton fuming that McMaster was speaking privately with Barack Obama’s former national security adviser Susan Rice. “Trump kept saying, ‘Can you believe it? To Susan Rice? Can you believe it?’”
Perhaps most consequential for Robert Mueller’s investigation, sources said Trump has discussed a plan to fire Attorney General Jeff Sessions. According to two Republicans in regular contact with the White House, there have been talks that Trump could replace Sessions with E.P.A. Administrator Scott Pruitt, who would not be recused from overseeing the Russia probe. Also, because Pruitt is already a Cabinet secretary, he would not have to go through another Senate confirmation hearing.
“The next phase of the Trump purge will likely include McMasters and Sessions, allowing Trump to scuttle the Iran deal and check Mueller,” says Vanity Fair’s Gabriel Sherman.
“it’s happening…,” Sherman added.
it's happening…
— Gabriel Sherman (@gabrielsherman) March 14, 2018
According to CBS News, “the sense that H.R. McMaster’s days are numbered as national security adviser has reached something close to a fever pitch.”
Former U.S. Ambassador to the UN John Bolton is "waiting in the wings to replace [H.R.] McMaster," @MajorCBS reports; "the sense that H.R. McMaster's days are numbered as national security adviser has reached something close to a fever pitch" https://t.co/MVXWePSct0 pic.twitter.com/upoej56b20
— CBS News (@CBSNews) March 14, 2018
Recently, President Trump slammed Attorney General Jeff Sessions for directing Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz to probe Obama-era FISA abuses.
Why is A.G. Jeff Sessions asking the Inspector General to investigate potentially massive FISA abuse. Will take forever, has no prosecutorial power and already late with reports on Comey etc. Isn’t the I.G. an Obama guy? Why not use Justice Department lawyers? DISGRACEFUL!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 28, 2018
“Why is A.G. Jeff Sessions asking the Inspector General to investigate potentially massive FISA abuse. Will take forever, has no prosecutorial power and already late with reports on Comey etc. Isn’t the I.G. an Obama guy? Why not use Justice Department lawyers? DISGRACEFUL!” tweeted Trump.
Allies of the embattled Attorney General previously expressed worry Trump may fire Sessions.
Axios got their hands on a picture of Sessions, Rosenstein, and Francisco at dinner tonight. Sources are telling Axios that Trump’s anger with Sessions is different this time; may lead to his firing. https://t.co/YQZEKEHYzO
— Scott Stedman (@ScottMStedman) March 1, 2018
