Matthew Whitaker’s Background and Qualifications
Matthew Whitaker, the former Acting Attorney General of the United States, has a diverse background that includes experience in law, government, and the military. His education, legal expertise, and military service have all contributed to his qualifications for the role of Attorney General.
Education
Whitaker earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of Iowa and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Tulsa College of Law. He also attended the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School, where he received training in military law.
Legal Experience
After graduating from law school, Whitaker worked as an attorney in private practice for several years. He also served as a prosecutor in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa. In 2004, he was appointed United States Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa by President George W. Bush.
Military Service
Whitaker served in the United States Army Reserve from 1994 to 2003. He was deployed to Iraq in 2003, where he served as a judge advocate general.
Preparation for the Role of Attorney General
Whitaker’s background in law, government, and the military has prepared him well for the role of Attorney General. His legal experience has given him a deep understanding of the law and the justice system. His military service has taught him about leadership, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure. His experience in government has given him an understanding of the political and policy landscape in which the Attorney General operates.
Whitaker’s Tenure as Acting Attorney General
Matthew Whitaker’s tenure as Acting Attorney General from November 7, 2018, to February 14, 2019, was marked by controversies and challenges. He was appointed after the resignation of Jeff Sessions, who recused himself from overseeing the Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Whitaker’s appointment was controversial because of his previous criticism of the Mueller investigation and his close ties to President Trump. He had called the investigation a “witch hunt” and had said that he would consider limiting its scope if he were appointed Attorney General.
Key Decisions and Actions
During his tenure, Whitaker made several key decisions and actions, including:
- He overruled the objections of career Justice Department officials and allowed the release of a memo written by Devin Nunes, the Republican chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, that accused the FBI of abusing its surveillance powers in the Russia investigation.
- He appointed John Durham, a US attorney in Connecticut, to investigate the origins of the Russia investigation.
- He met with President Trump and his personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, to discuss the Russia investigation.
Controversies and Challenges
Whitaker’s tenure was also marked by controversies and challenges, including:
- He was accused of violating the Hatch Act, which prohibits government employees from engaging in political activity, when he made public statements criticizing Democrats and praising Republicans.
- He was criticized for his handling of the Russia investigation, which some Democrats accused him of trying to undermine.
- He faced calls to recuse himself from overseeing the Mueller investigation because of his previous criticism of it.
Whitaker’s Role in the Mueller Investigation
Matthew Whitaker’s appointment as Acting Attorney General raised concerns about his potential interference in the ongoing Mueller investigation. Whitaker had previously criticized the investigation and expressed skepticism about its necessity.
Despite these concerns, Whitaker initially recused himself from overseeing the Mueller investigation, citing his previous work for a conservative legal group that had filed a lawsuit against the investigation. However, he later reversed this decision and assumed oversight of the investigation.
Interactions with Mueller and the Justice Department
Whitaker’s interactions with Special Counsel Robert Mueller and the Justice Department were closely scrutinized. He met with Mueller on several occasions, and he also met with other Justice Department officials involved in the investigation.
Whitaker’s handling of the investigation was criticized by some who accused him of trying to undermine it. However, others defended Whitaker, arguing that he was simply doing his job as Acting Attorney General.
Aftermath of the Investigation
After the Mueller investigation concluded, Whitaker oversaw the release of the report to Congress and the public. He also defended the investigation against criticism from President Trump and others.
Whitaker’s role in the Mueller investigation was controversial, and his actions were closely scrutinized. However, he ultimately oversaw the conclusion of the investigation and the release of the report.
Whitaker’s Legacy and Impact
Matthew Whitaker’s tenure as Acting Attorney General was marked by controversy and legal challenges. His decisions and actions raised questions about the independence of the Justice Department and the rule of law.
One of Whitaker’s most significant decisions was to oversee the release of a memo that criticized the Mueller investigation. This memo, which was written by Whitaker himself, argued that the investigation was politically motivated and should be shut down. The memo was widely criticized by legal experts, who argued that it was an attempt to undermine the investigation.
Implications for Future Attorneys General
Whitaker’s tenure as Acting Attorney General has implications for future Attorneys General. It is clear that the Attorney General is not above the law and that they can be held accountable for their actions. It is also clear that the Justice Department must be independent of political interference.
