Story highlights The independence of the Justice Department is no theoretical question

Trump, judging from his Twitter account and other statements, seems bent on using it to punish foes

Washington (CNN) One day, President Trump calls the US justice system a "laughingstock." The next day he wants it used to investigate his 2016 election opponent Hillary Clinton. He appears to hold unparalleled disregard for the independence of the US justice system.

So, on Tuesday when Attorney General Jeff Sessions testified for five hours before the House judiciary committee, some members asked whether Sessions -- the nation's top law enforcement officer -- could be independent and uphold the rule of law.

Sessions sounded less like a man trying to protect the rule of law than one trying to protect his job.

The independence of the Justice Department is no theoretical question. Trump, judging from his Twitter account and other statements, seems bent on using it to punish foes. His public pressure on the department and the man who runs it is unprecedented.

After previously calling Sessions "beleaguered" and "weak," Trump declared November 3 on Twitter: "Everybody is asking why the Justice Department (and FBI) isn't looking into all of the dishonesty going on with crooked Hillary & the Dems."

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