Rosenstein expected to leave Justice Dept. soon

WASHINGTON (AP) – Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein is expected to leave his position soon after President Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general is confirmed.

Rosenstein has been the most visible Justice Department protector of special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation and a frequent target of Trump’s wrath.

The attorney general nominee, William Barr, moved quickly Wednesday to quell concerns that his arrival could endanger the probe, telling lawmakers he has a high opinion of Mueller.

If confirmed by the Republican-led Senate, Barr could be in place at the Justice Department by February. Rosenstein is expected to leave his position soon after that, though he is not being forced out, said a person familiar with the plans who was not authorized to discuss them on the record and spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press.