Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein had a surprising reaction to President Trump appointing Matthew Whitaker to replace Attorney General Jeff Sessions, especially considering Rosenstein should have taken over the top spot, Whitaker originally was gunning for Rosenstein's job, and Whitaker now holds control over the special counsel probe.
CNN:
"I think he's a superb choice for attorney general," Rosenstein told a small group of reporters gathered outside of an investiture ceremony for US Attorney Zachary Terwilliger in Alexandria, Virginia. "He certainly understands the work, understands the priorities of the department."
(...)
The positive tone from the No. 2 official at the Justice Department was notable, as Rosenstein and Whitaker have had a complicated relationship for some time, compounded by the fact that Whitaker had discussed taking Rosenstein's job with President Donald Trump several weeks ago. Despite that, Rosenstein, who has weathered the President's bad side at times and attacks from some of Trump's most vocal Hill allies, has managed to survive, and he publicly praised Whitaker on Friday in a clear attempt at displaying department solidarity.
(...)
Rosenstein added Friday that he had delivered his message of praise for Whitaker on Thursday in a conference call with federal prosecutors around the country: "I think he's going to do a superb job as attorney general."
(...)
When Whitaker leapfrogged over Rosenstein and was named acting attorney general, questions immediately began to swirl about who Mueller would report to, whether Whitaker must recuse himself from the investigation given his fierce criticism of it, whether Rosenstein would quit and whether Mueller's work will be curtailed.
Whitaker has given no indication he believes he needs to step aside from ultimately overseeing Mueller's investigation ...
Rosenstein is expected to continue to handle the day-to-day management of the probe, as he would for any other significant criminal investigation.
However, the arrangement may prove challenging down the line, or quickly, if Whitaker and Rosenstein disagree on any significant matter.
As The Washington Post reported Thursday, people close to Whitaker do not believe he would approve Mueller seeking a subpoena of President Donald Trump.
Rosenstein calls Whitaker a 'superb' choice for acting attorney general (CNN)