Rod Rosenstein sinks to a whole new pro-Trump low

It must be a happy time for Rod Rosenstein, who ended his tenure as Deputy Attorney General while becoming one of the newest 2019 inductees into the Donald Trump Fan Club. At least Rosenstein seems to think so, based on the way he is proudly defending his work with Attorney General William Barr in the name of confusing the public about the Mueller probe. If youโve been listening to Rosenstein lately and you donโt find him convincing, keep in mind he is new to this sycophancy stuff and is still practicing the suggested tactics outlined on flashcards included in his new members welcome kit.
Rosensteinโs recent behavior caused former FBI Director James Comey to single him out as one whose soul Trump has been eating โin small bitesโ in a New York Times op-ed. โAnd how could Rod Rosenstein, the deputy attorney general, after the release of Mr. Muellerโs report that detailed Mr. Trumpโs determined efforts to obstruct justice, give a speech quoting the president on the importance of the rule of law?โ Comey wondered in his piece. โOr on resigning, thank a president who relentlessly attacked both him and the Department of Justice he led for โthe courtesy and humor you often display in our personal conversationsโ?โ
No longer an employee of the Department of Justice, Rosenstein decided to fire back at Comeyโs characterization of him while addressing the Greater Baltimore Committee at its annual meeting yesterday. Rosenstein declared: โNow the former Director is a partisan pundit, selling books and earning speaking fees while speculating about the strength of my character and the fate of my immortal soul. I kid you not. That is disappointing. Speculating about souls is not a job for police and prosecutors. Generally, we base our opinions on eyewitness testimony.โ That should be enough for Rosenstein to send away for his first Donald Trump Fan Club achievement pin.
Speaking at Rosensteinโs farewell ceremony on Thursday, former Attorney General Jeff Sessions honored Rosenstein for his service while wishing him well. When it came to Rosensteinโs handling of the Mueller investigation, Sessions appeared to hint at a shared feeling of impotence that must come with the job as a top official in Trumpโs DOJ. โOnce started, these things become unstoppable … Rod, you did your duty as it fell upon you. You didnโt ask for it, thatโs for sure! You initiated the process, you followed the regulations, the system worked its will, and what more can a public servant do?โ In other words, โWelcome to the Donald Trump Fan Club, Rod.โ

Ron Leshnower is a lawyer and the author of several books, including President Trump’s Month