Outgoing Associate Attorney General Rachel Brand said Thursday that she would have been "very happy to stay" at the Department of Justice (DOJ) but was offered an opportunity in the private sector she couldn't pass up.
Brand is stepping down from the No. 3 post at DOJ after nine months on the job to become Walmart's executive vice president of global governance and corporate secretary.
"Sometimes, something comes up unexpectedly and you just can’t pass it up," Brand told members of the Federalist Society at a luncheon in Washington, according to The National Law Journal. "That’s all there is to it."
Brand's comments appeared to dismiss reports that she had decided to leave the DOJ amid concerns that she would be asked to oversee the criminal investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election.
That probe, which is being conducted by special counsel Robert Mueller
Robert (Bob) Swan MuellerSasse: US should applaud choice of Mueller to lead Russia probe MORE, is currently overseen by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein
Rod Jay RosensteinRod Rosenstein, Jay Leno chat at correspondents' weekend brunch Bill Maher hits Mueller after report: 'Prosecutor Jesus' didn't leave adequate road map for impeachment Rosenstein explains his deadpan expression behind Barr at last week's press conference MORE. He took over the investigation after Attorney General Jeff Sessions
Jefferson (Jeff) Beauregard SessionsJudge: Trump administration has six months to identify separated children Forget the spin: Five unrefuted Mueller Report revelations Sessions: It's time to accept the results of the Mueller report and move on MORE recused himself from the matter last year.
As the No. 3 official at the department, Brand would be next in line to take over the probe if Rosenstein were to be relieved of the responsibility.
President Trump
Donald John TrumpTrump hits Biden as he hits 2020 trail Trump blasts union chiefs after Biden gets key endorsement Grassley to Trump: Lift tariffs or new NAFTA deal is 'dead' MORE has repeatedly criticized Rosenstein's handling of the probe, particularly his decision to appoint a special counsel, prompting speculation that the president could move to fire the deputy attorney general.
The White House has sought to quell rumors that Trump is considering ousting Rosenstein.
