Secretary of State Mike Pompeo lauded Attorney General William Barr for his handling of the Russia investigation in unusual comments touching on both domestic politics and foreign policy.

President Trump was the subject of a two-year federal inquiry into allegations that he conspired with Russian strongman Vladimir Putin to defeat Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in his 2016 campaign. Pompeo, a possible 2024 presidential candidate, tweeted Tuesday that Barr adeptly managed the conclusion of the investigation, overseen by special counsel Robert Mueller. Trump and his supporters contend the investigation was based on a hoax perpetuated by the Democrats.