Trump’s attorney general pick vows to let Mueller finish Russia probe

WASHINGTON — William Barr, President Trump’s nominee for attorney general, assured senators at his confirmation hearing Tuesday that he will permit the special counsel, Robert Mueller, to complete the Russia investigation and said he is determined to resist any pressure from Trump to use law enforcement for political purposes.

Barr, whose confirmation seems virtually assured, pointed to his age and background — he also served as attorney general from 1991 to 1993 — as buffers to potential intrusions on the Justice Department’s traditional independence. He suggested he had no further political aspirations that might cloud his judgment, as well as the experience to fight political interference.