[JURIST] The transition team for US President-elect Donald Trump [transition website] confirmed on Friday that Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions [official profile] has been offered the position of attorney general [press release]. The Republican senator and former US attorney had been the first senate member to support Trump [CBS/AP report] during his presidential campaign, and he later worked with Trump to construct immigration, trade and counterterrorism policies. Before assuming the position Sessions must face a confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee [official website]. Sessions’ appointment may be threatened by his past remarks regarding race and his support for the mass deportation of illegal immigrants. Nevertheless, he is expected [Politico report] to be confirmed since the Republicans will likely have a 52-48 advantage over Democrats in the committee. Sessions will not need to meet a 60 vote threshold for nomination since the requirement has been repealed, and therefore he will likely face little difficulty unless Republicans defect. Sessions may have his confirmation in early January, and if he is confirmed Alabama Governor Robert Bentley [official profile] will need to determine an interim replacement for the senator position.

Upon choosing Sessions for the attorney general position, Trump also chose [Guardian report] Republican Representative Mike Pompeo as the director of the CIA and retired general Michael Flynn as his national security adviser. Both of the chosen candidates are believed to share Trump’s views regarding surveillance, espionage and foreign policy. Trump must still make official announcements regarding top positions such as the secretary of state, secretary of defense and treasury secretary.