Ex-acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker quietly left the Justice Department over the weekend, according to multiple reports. Whitaker’s abrupt departure came Saturday, days after new AG William Barr was sworn in, NBC News and others reported.
The former Iowa federal prosecutor had served as ex-Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ chief of staff, and his role was reportedly to be President Trump’s “eyes and ears” in Justice.
Whitaker was also a staunch defender of presidential power and believed in the expansive use of executive authority.
He testified before the House Intelligence Committee last month and insisted that he had not interfered in special counsel Robert Mueller’s probe.
It’s unclear if he has a new job.