William Brangham:

That different time, two hours later. In a tweet, he announced his attorney general was out.

In an undated letter also released today, Jeff Sessions made it clear who forced today's move, writing: "Dear Mr. President, at your request, I am submitting my resignation."

Of his time at the Justice Department, Sessions wrote — quote — "We have operated with integrity and have lawfully and aggressively advanced the policy agenda of this administration."

Sessions' departure will again focus an intense spotlight on special counsel Robert Mueller's ongoing investigation into how Russia meddled in the 2016 presidential election and whether any members of the Trump campaign conspired in that effort.