President Donald Trump has spoken with advisers about firing Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the AP is reporting.

The president's anger at Sessions - a key adviser during his campaign - comes from the former Alabama Senator's decision to recuse himself from the investigation into Russian interference with the 2016 presidential election. A special counselor, former FBI director Robert Mueller, is currently investigating the Russia allegations.

On Monday, Trump referred to Sessions as "beleaguered," comments that came about a week after the president said he would not have appointed Sessions if he's known he'd recuse himself from the Russia investigation.

Sessions has not responded to the comments other than to say he planned to stay at the job "as long as appropriate."

Reports emerged Monday that Trump was considering nominating former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani to replace Sessions. Giuliani rebuffed those reports, adding that Sessions "made the right decision under the rules of the Justice Department" in recusing himself from the investigation.

Another name - Texas Sen. Ted Cruz - is also being discussed in connection to the AG post if Sessions is fired or resigns. Cruz was a frequent critic of Trump during last year's race for the GOP presidential nomination.