Newly Sworn-In AG Sessions Vows to Follow Constitution, US Laws, Amid Doubts

In brief remarks Thursday after he was sworn in as President Donald Trump's attorney general, Jeff Sessions said he would use DOJ effectively to deal with an increased threat from terrorism, "end the lawlessness" from immigration that threatens the public safety and undermines American wages, and counter the "dangerous permanent trend" of the rise in crime. Justice will be "focused on preserving and protecting the Constitution and the safety of this country," he said in a Facebook streamed video. His nomination was opposed by Democrats and many civil liberties and privacy groups that said he couldn't be independent from the administration and he supported more surveillance and back doors to encrypted devices and communications (see 1701310005, 1701240003, 1701180079, 1701110069 and 1701090038). Right after the Senate confirmed Sessions 52-47 Wednesday night, the American Civil Liberties Union tweeted that it will sue the former Alabama Republican senator if he violates the Constitution. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said in a statement after the vote that Sessions will enforce laws "regardless of whether he supported them while in Congress" and he will be independent.