GOP backing for Sessions a danger sign for Trump

President Trump’s firing of former FBI director James Comey set in motion a chain of events that has proven politically devastating to his White House. The same could happen if he forces out Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

“It’s stunning to me that he looks at what happened over the firing of Comey and his idea is to fire Sessions,” said Rob Jesmer, a longtime Republican strategist who also is a former executive director of the Republican Senatorial Committee.

“That firing’s been a disaster” that led to the appointment of special prosecutor Robert Mueller, said Jesmer. It also raised questions about potential obstruction of justice, since Trump later acknowledged he fired Comey because of the Russia investigation.

Among Republicans, Sessions is seen as one of the president’s early supporters. In addition to incensing GOP members of Congress, Sessions’ departure could make other Cabinet appointees and advisers “head for the hills” after seeing Trump turn on one of his most loyal backers, said Jesmer.

Already, some news reports indicate Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is troubled by Trump’s public berating of Sessions.

Finally, conservative groups and media figures are speaking out on behalf of Sessions. That raises the specter that Trump’s actions could alienate voters.