Sen. Bob Corker calls Trump's 'pressuring' on Justice Department 'totally inappropriate'
- Republican Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee rebuked President Donald Trump for "pressuring" the Justice Department and FBI, and called it "totally inappropriate."
- Corker and Trump have had a series of confrontations as of late.
Republican Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee rebuked President Donald Trump amid reports he was "disappointed in the Justice Department" for "not looking at the Democrats."
"Like me, most Americans hope that our justice system is independent and free of political interference," Corker said in a statement.
"President Trump's pressuring of the Justice Department and FBI to pursue cases against his adversaries and calling for punishment before trials take place are totally inappropriate and not only undermine our justice system but erode the American people's confidence in our institutions," Corker's statement continued.
On Friday, Trump railed against the Justice Department and FBI in a series of statements and tweets.
"People are angry," Trump tweeted. "At some point the Justice Department, and the FBI, must do what is right and proper. The American public deserves it!"
Trump expanded on his feelings towards the Justice Department while speaking to reporters.
"I'm really not involved with the Justice Department," Trump said Friday. "I'd like to let it run itself."
"But, honestly, they should be looking at the Democrats," the president continued, referring to Hillary Clinton and the contentious 2016 US Presidential campaign.
Trump also refused to rule out firing Attorney General Jeff Sessions, after reports emerged that Sessions was a target of Trump's ire, particularly after his decision to recuse himself from the ongoing Russia investigation.
"I don't know," Trump said in response to whether he was firing Sessions.
Corker, a vocal critic of Trump, has long been at odds with the administration. After Corker announced he would not be seeking reelection, Trump, in a series of tweets, ragged on the senator.
"Senator Bob Corker 'begged' me to endorse him for re-election in Tennessee," Trump said in a pair of tweets. "I said 'NO' and he dropped out (said he could not win without...my endorsement). He also wanted to be Secretary of State, I said 'NO THANKS.' He is also largely responsible for the horrendous Iran Deal!"