Trump Names Ex-Bush Official William Barr As New Attorney General

US President Donald Trump has nominated William Barr, a conservative lawyer who was attorney general in the administration of the late George H.W. Bush, to lead the US Department of Justice.

Mr Barr would replace Jeff Sessions, who Mr Trump forced to resign last month amid rising pressure on the White House from the Russia collusion investigation of Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

Mr Barr is "A terrific man, a terrific person," Mr Trump said. "He was my first choice from day one.... respected by Republicans, respected by Democrats," he said.