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Attorney General Jeff Sessions responded to President Trump's public criticism on Wednesday, saying he will continue his "duties with integrity and honor."
Why it matters: Trump's tweet was a "tipping point" for Sessions as he went after Inspector General Michael Horowitz, a career lawyer who was appointed by the Obama administration, and worked in top DOJ positions under Presidents George W. Bush. and Bill Clinton. Sessions broke his silence to defend his department after taking months of criticism from the president.
"We have initiated the appropriate process that will ensure complaints against this Department will be fully and fairly acted upon if necessary. As long as I am the Attorney General, I will continue to discharge my duties with integrity and honor, and this Department will continue to do its work in a fair and impartial manner according to the law and Constitution."— Statement from Sessions obtained by CNN