President Trump Donald John TrumpHR McMaster says president's policy to withdraw troops from Afghanistan is 'unwise' Cast of 'Parks and Rec' reunite for virtual town hall to address Wisconsin voters Biden says Trump should step down over coronavirus response MORE’s nominee to serve as attorney general, William Barr, said Tuesday that special counsel Robert Mueller Robert (Bob) MuellerCNN's Toobin warns McCabe is in 'perilous condition' with emboldened Trump CNN anchor rips Trump over Stone while evoking Clinton-Lynch tarmac meeting The Hill's 12:30 Report: New Hampshire fallout MORE wouldn’t be involved in a “witch hunt.”

“I don’t believe that Mr. Mueller would be involved in a witch hunt,” Barr said in response to questions from Sen. Lindsey Graham Lindsey Olin GrahamThe Hill's Campaign Report: Arizona shifts towards Biden | Biden prepares for drive-in town hall | New Biden ad targets Latino voters Senate Democrats' campaign arm announces seven-figure investment to boost Graham challenger Graham: Comey to testify about FBI's Russia probe, Mueller declined invitation MORE (R-S.C.), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, at his confirmation hearing.

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Trump has repeatedly referred to Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference and potential coordination between the Trump campaign and Moscow as a “witch hunt.” The president has described the probe as driven by partisan aims and at some points has called it “illegal” and suggested it should be ended.

Barr has been scrutinized by Democrats and many of Trump’s critics for his past criticisms of the special counsel investigation.

Barr, whom Trump nominated to serve at the helm of the Justice Department in December, used his opening remarks to address those concerns head on and commit to allowing Mueller to complete his work. He also said he would work to make Mueller’s findings available to the public and Congress for the sake of “transparency” as much as he can in accordance with the law.

Barr described Mueller as a colleague and friend.

“I have the utmost respect for Bob and his distinguished record of public service,” Barr said in his opening remarks.

“I believe it is in the best interest of everyone — the president, Congress and, most importantly, the American people — that this matter be resolved by allowing the special counsel to complete his work,” Barr said.