Department of Justice Press Conference

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Geoffrey Berman announced charges against two hackers associated with the Chinese government. Mr. Rosenstein said the charges include conspiracy to commit computer intrusions against dozens of companies in the U.S. and around the world. In response to a reporter’s question about Mr. Rosenstein’s role in Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation following the appointment of Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, the deputy attorney general said the probe was proceeding as it has in the past and that it would be handled appropriately regardless of who is in charge. Mr. Rosenstein was also asked about a memo written by William Barr, the president’s nominee for attorney general, that criticized the special counsel’s investigation. He said the memo reflected Mr. Barr’s personal opinion and that it didn’t influence the Department of Justice’s decision-making. close