#faces criticism

WASHINGTON | The Latest: Trump calls Whitaker ‘very highly respected man’

WASHINGTON— The Latest on special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation and changes at the Department of Justice (all times local):

9:50 a.m. President Donald Trump is calling acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker “a very highly respected man” as he faces criticism about his appointment to replace Jeff Sessions.

Trump said Friday “I don’t know Matt Whitaker” and said he didn’t speak with…