(JTA) — U.S. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein expects to leave his position if a new attorney general is confirmed, he reportedly has told close associates.
There are no concrete plans nor a timeline for his resignation, however, the Washington Post reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
The Post quoted its source as saying that Rosenstein is not being forced out and always saw the deputy attorney general job as one that would likely last two years. He also noted that Barr would want to hire his own team.
Nominee William Barr served as U.S. attorney general from 1991 to 1993 under George Bush. His Senate confirmation hearing is set for next week and he could assume office by next month.
Rosenstein appointed special counsel Robert Mueller to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 elections. President Donald Trump has been critical of the investigation.
Barr also has been critical of the investigation including writing an Op-Ed defending Trump and in memo to Rosenstein criticizing Mueller’s “fatally misconceived” approach to investigating the president for possible obstruction of justice.