Does Trump Want to Fire Jeff Sessions?

Donald Trump has been clear that he wants to get rid of anyone who is not loyal to him. This sentiment has led many to speculate about the fate of Jeff Sessions, who is the current Attorney General. Notably, Sessions has not submitted a resignation letter yet, despite the pressure from the President. If Sessions lacks enough pride or commitment to justice, Trump could easily accept his resignation.

Impending Firing or a Happy Accident?

While some Republicans, like Lindsey Graham, have signaled that they are fine with Sessions' departure after the midterm elections, the decision to fire Sessions is not a clear-cut matter. In some ways, Sessions is more convenient for Trump as a scapegoat for his base. Trump uses Twitter and interviews to humiliate Sessions, which satisfies the supporters who want to see Sessions and Rosenstein fired without any real cost. The risks, however, are significant. Trump’s past attempts to fire key officials have backfired, as seen with the firing of Mueller, which didn’t work well for Nixon. Also, Sessions is crucial in implementing Trump’s hard-line immigration policies.

Senatorial Elections and Confirmation

The political landscape adds another layer of complexity. Trump needs 60 votes in the Senate to confirm a new Attorney General. Currently, he does not have those 60 votes. This means that the firing decision might be influenced by the results of the upcoming midterm elections. However, it is most likely that Trump will fire Sessions after the midterms, when the landscape becomes more favorable.

Timing and Strategy

It has been suggested that Sessions should have recused himself from the Russia investigation before accepting the appointment, but this did not occur. Attempting to derail the Mueller Investigation by having Sessions resign would be seen as a deliberate and blatant attempt to pervert the course of justice. This action would likely cause a significant backlash and could undermine Trump’s support base.

The Cost and Consequences of Firing Sessions

There is a strong possibility that Trump will fire Jeff Sessions. However, the consequences of such an action are significant. Backfiring would be the most likely outcome if Trump tries to remove Sessions, as it would be viewed as an attempt to obstruct justice. The risk of political backlash, further damage to his administration’s credibility, and potential legal repercussions make this a calculated decision more likely to be delayed until the political landscape is more advantageous.