Sessions: ‘Would’ve been nice’ if Trump didn’t attack judge

Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) said Wednesday it “would’ve been nice” if presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump had not attacked the federal judge overseeing lawsuits against Trump University.

Sessions defended Trump questioning Judge Gonzalo Curiel’s impartiality, but said he commended Trump’s decision to stop commenting on the issue.

{mosads}”He’s explained that, and he’s really, feels strongly about this lawsuit,” Sessions told NBC News’s Hallie Jackson when asked whether he was disappointed in Trump’s rhetoric.

“You know, he feels like it’s an unjust proceeding and he should prevail … but now he said he’s going to let his lawyer handle it and he’s not going to be continuing to comment it, and I think that’s probably a good decision.”

Trump had questioned whether Curiel was biased against him because of the judge’s Mexican heritage. On Tuesday, Trump released a statement saying his comments has been misconstrued.

He also said he does not “intend to comment on this matter any further.”

Sessions on Wednesday also praised Trump’s ability to appeal directly to the American people. 

“That’s where he’s getting these votes, and his message about protecting American workers, protecting American jobs, creating rising pay, defending American manufacturing, trade agreements effectively, all of those things are what’s appealing right now across the board,” Sessions said.

“He’s got Democrat support, independent support, at high levels, and I think as that message continues to resonate, it’ll increase even more.”