Rod Rosenstein plays a key role in overseeing the probe into alleged collusion between Donald Trump's campaign and Russia, which the president calls a politically motivated "witch hunt". (AFP/File / Brendan SMIALOWSKI)
Deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein plans to step down once William Barr has been confirmed as head of the Department of Justice.
Rosenstein had planned to serve only about two years, and there was no indication he was being forced out by President Donald Trump, who has complained about his oversight of the special counsel investigation, reported ABC News.
Former attorney general Jeff Sessions was pushed out by Trump following the midterm election and replaced by acting attorney general Matt Whitaker.
Rosenstein has overseen special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation of Trump campaign ties to Russia after Sessions recused himself from the Justice Department probe due to his own contacts with Russian officials.
Trump has nominated Barr to replace Sessions, but he has not yet been confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
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