by Morgan Montalvo
WOAI News
Local activists last evening chose Travis Park as the site for a protest against President Trump’s choice for acting U.S. Attorney General following the forced departure of Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions, WOAI News reports.
Organizers of the “Nobody is Above the Law” demonstration say Trump’s choice of Matthew Whitaker – a known critic of the Robert Mueller probe into possible collusion with Russia by members of the 2016 Trump Campaign – is aimed at derailing the investigation.
About 250 people attended Thursday’s rally.
Activist Trish Florence with SATX Indivisible says the local gathering was one of a series of events scheduled across the country.
“We’re asking that Whitaker recuse himself based on statements he’s made in the past about the investigation, calling it a witch hunt and also saying that the easiest way to kill it is to not fund it,” Florence said.
Whitaker’s appointment almost immediately drew sharp criticism and media commentary from numerous legal scholars, who say Trump’s decision is illegal and possibly unconstitutional.
Retired Presbyterian pastor Tom Heger says Whitaker is a Trump “lackey,” chosen specifically to shut down the Mueller probe.
“He appointed him to do just one thing: it’s to be the loyal attorney general that Jeff Sessions would never be,” said Heger.
The crowd also called on Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz to launch hearings into Whitaker’s appointment.
PHOTO: Protesters who oppose Pres. Trump's choice to replace ousted Attorney General Jeff Sessions met in Travis Park Thursday evening to demand that Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz launch a hearing into the appointment. Acting Atty. Gen. Matthew Whitaker has openly criticized the Robert Mueller probe into possible collusion between Russia and members of the 2016 Trump Campaign. Photo by Morgan Montalvo