Attorney General Jeff Sessions released a statement today that more or less shrugs off the latest criticisms he’s getting from President Donald Trump.

During an interview which aired Thursday morning on Fox News, Trump railed against Sessions for the umpteenth time and said he “never took control” of the Justice Department because of his recusal from the ongoing Russia investigations.

In an apparent reaction to this, the DOJ sent out a release in which Sessions defended his record, praised his colleagues, and said the department “will not be improperly influenced by political considerations.”

“I took control of the Department of Justice the day I was sworn in, which is why we have had unprecedented success at effectuating the President’s agenda — one that protects the safety and security and rights of the American people, reduces violent crime, enforces our immigration laws, promotes economic growth, and advances religious liberty. While I am Attorney General, the actions of the Department of Justice will not be improperly influenced by political considerations. I demand the highest standards, and where they are not met, I take action. However, no nation has a more talented, more dedicated group of law enforcement investigators and prosecutors than the United States. I am proud to serve with them and proud of the work we have done in successfully advancing the rule of law.”

Statement from the Attorney General pic.twitter.com/eMF0CPXLZZ — Sarah Isgur Flores (@SarahFloresDOJ) August 23, 2018

Sessions’ statement came out just ahead of his meeting with Trump on prison reform.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions arrives at the White House for a previously scheduled meeting on prison reform pic.twitter.com/M8G2I8MZjP — Betsy Klein (@betsy_klein) August 23, 2018

[Photo via Getty Images]

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