Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., said Tuesday the incoming Trump administration should have more thoroughly vetted Attorney General Jeff Sessions when considering him for the country’s top law enforcement position during the transition.
Gowdy told Fox News it would have been “absolutely” appropriate for Trump’s team to have asked Sessions about anything that could impede his ability to do his job.
“‘Is there any reason you know of that you should not take the job? Are there any limitations on your ability to take the job?’ All of us who have applied for jobs get asked that question,” Gowdy said. “‘Is there anything in the background that I should know about?’ ‘Yes, Mr. President, I met with Russians during the campaign when I was out there trying to help you get elected.’
“These conversations are always better on the front end then afterwards. Again, the attorney general forgot about some of these contacts. That is what led to the recusal,” Gowdy added.
The former House intelligence chairman of the Benghazi investigation said he understands Trump’s frustration at Sessions, but said the recusal was “appropriate” in light of past contacts with Russian officials.
Gowdy said Sessions’ future was not looking up.
“It doesn’t look great,” Gowdy said. “I have not talked to him about it. The tweets are not helpful for long-term employment.”
