Trump nominates Jeffrey Rosen to replace Rosenstein at DOJ

President Trump on Tuesday announced his intention to nominate Jeffrey Rosen, currently serving as deputy Transportation secretary, to be the No. 2 official at the Justice Department.

If confirmed, Rosen would replace current Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who plans to leave the Justice Department next month. Rosenstein oversees the special counsel investigation into Russian election interference.

Bloomberg News reported Tuesday that Attorney General William Barr, who was confirmed last week, chose Rosen as his deputy.

Barr and Rosen were both formerly partners at the law firm Kirkland & Ellis.

Rosenstein has long been expected to depart from his position at the Department of Justice, as he and Trump have had a tense relationship.

Rosenstein appointed special counsel Robert Mueller to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 election and possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Trump has long railed against the probe, often calling it a “witch hunt.”

On Monday, Trump attacked Rosenstein on Twitter after former acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe said Sunday on “60 Minutes” that Rosenstein once discussed invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office.

Trump said on Twitter that Rosenstein and McCabe “look like they were planning a very illegal act, and got caught.” Trump also noted that Rosenstein was originally hired by former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who drew the ire of Trump for recusing himself from the Russia probe.

“Wow, so many lies by now disgraced acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe. He was fired for lying, and now his story gets even more deranged,” Trump tweeted. “He and Rod Rosenstein, who was hired by Jeff Sessions (another beauty), look like they were planning a very illegal act, and got caught.”

Barr in a statement praised Rosen, calling him a “distinguished lawyer who has served at the highest levels of government and the private sector.”

“His years of outstanding legal and management experience make him an excellent choice to succeed Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who has served the Department of Justice over many years with dedication and distinction,” Barr added.

Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao also lauded Rosen in a statement, saying he has “played a critical role in helping me lead and manage” the Department of Transportation.