Sessions: I recused myself from Russia investigation because of role on Trump campaign

Attorney General Jeff Sessions says he recused himself from the investigation into Trump campaign ties to Russia because he was involved in the campaign.

WATCH LIVE: Sessions testifies about Russia meetings in Senate hearing

Sessions says his recusal was not because he had done something wrong or was, himself, the subject of the investigation. He says he stepped aside because Justice Department rules prevent such a conflict of interest. Sessions became attorney general in February but did not recuse himself from that probe until March.

He says it “became clear to me over time that I qualified as a principal adviser to the campaign and it was appropriate and right for me to recuse myself.”

Read Jeff Sessions’ prepared Senate testimony on Russia