Then-deputy attorney general-designate Rod J. Rosenstein, left, shown in March; and then-FBI Director James B. Comey, shown in May. (J. Scott Applewhite; Susan Walsh/Associated Press)
Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein has accepted an invitation to brief members of the Senate next week as congressional leaders have raised questions about Rosenstein’s role in President Trump’s decision to fire FBI director James B. Comey.
Senate leaders have not yet confirmed the date or time of the briefing, which is expected to be a wide-ranging discussion in which senators will have the chance to ask any questions they wish, according to Senate aides. Rosenstein became a central figure in the controversy over Comey’s firing after Trump cited the deputy attorney general’s guidance in a memo announcing Comey’s ouster. Trump has since refuted his own letter, leaving many in Congress questioning what role Rosenstein played in the decision.
“Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein’s office has confirmed to Senator Schumer’s office that Mr. Rosenstein will come to brief the full Senate next week,” said Matt House, a spokesman for Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y). “The time and date are still being worked out.”
Schumer and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) both reached out to Rosenstein’s office to schedule a briefing, according to aides for both leaders.
Democrats also called on Attorney General Jeff Sessions to schedule a similar meeting Schumer said Thursday. So far, no such meeting has been announced.