Sessions has assigned a federal prosecutor to investigate FBI misconduct


Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Thursday named Utah's federal prosecutor John Huber as lead of the investigation into a series of allegations against the FBI. Sessions decided against appointing a special counsel, unless Huber later recommends one, a letter from the attorney general to three Republican chairmen explained.
Huber will be tasked with investigating allegations that the FBI abused its powers, CNN reports, after Republicans called for a probe into the surveillance of a former Trump campaign adviser. Sessions revealed that Huber has already been looking into the accusation, as well as a claim that Hillary Clinton should have been more closely investigated for her alleged ties to a Russian nuclear energy agency.
The decision not to appoint a special counsel, reports CNN, will likely be unwelcome news to those in the GOP who say that federal agencies are neglecting to thoroughly investigate important allegations due to political bias. In his letter, Sessions reassured the chairmen that if Huber found a need for a special counsel, he would appoint one.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"We understand that the [Department of Justice] is not above criticism and it can never be that the department conceals errors when they occur," wrote Sessions. Read more at CNN.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Summer Meza has worked at The Week since 2018, serving as a staff writer, a news writer and currently the deputy editor. As a proud news generalist, she edits everything from political punditry and science news to personal finance advice and film reviews. Summer has previously written for Newsweek and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, covering national politics, transportation and the cannabis industry.
-
Ione Skye's 6 favorite books about love and loss
Feature The actress recommends works by James Baldwin, Nora Ephron, and more
By The Week US
-
Book review: 'Miracles and Wonder: The Historical Mystery of Jesus' and 'When the Going Was Good: An Editor's Adventures During the Last Golden Age of Magazines'
Feature The college dropout who ruled the magazine era and the mysteries surrounding Jesus Christ
By The Week US
-
Not invincible: Tech burned by tariff war
Feature Tariffs on Asian countries are shaking up Silicon Valley, driving up prices and deepening global tensions
By The Week US
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans