The U.S. Senate has confirmed William Barr as attorney general, placing the veteran government official and lawyer atop the Justice Department as special counsel Robert Mueller investigates Russian interference in the 2016 election. Barr served as attorney general from 1991 to 1993 in the administration of George H.W. Concerns about Mueller reportBarr pledged to allow Mueller to complete his work, but Democrats largely voted against the nominee. His criticism extended to deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller as special counsel. Since Sessions was fired, his former chief of staff, Matthew Whitaker, a controversial choice, has been serving as acting attorney general.

Source: CBC News February 14, 2019 19:00 UTC