In his final press conference, the attorney general also reinforced that federal officials believe Russia was behind the cyberespionage operation targeting the U.S. government. President Trump had suggested, without evidence, that China could be responsible.

Contradicting his secretary of state and other top officials, President Donald Trump on Saturday suggested without evidence that China — not Russia — may be behind the cyber espionage operation against the United States and tried to minimize its impact.

The hack compromised federal agencies and “critical infrastructure” in an attack that will be difficult to undo, according to U.S. officials.

All fingers are pointing to Russia as the source of the worst-ever hack of U.S. government agencies. But President Donald Trump, long wary of blaming Moscow for cyberattacks, has so far been silent.

"I decided the best thing to do would be to appoint them under the same regulation that covered Bob Mueller," Attorney General William Barr said.

In his final press conference, the attorney general also reinforced that federal officials believe Russia was behind the cyberespionage operation targeting the U.S. government. President Trump had suggested, without evidence, that China could be responsible.

Contradicting his secretary of state and other top officials, President Donald Trump on Saturday suggested without evidence that China — not Russia — may be behind the cyber espionage operation against the United States and tried to minimize its impact.

The hack compromised federal agencies and “critical infrastructure” in an attack that will be difficult to undo, according to U.S. officials.

All fingers are pointing to Russia as the source of the worst-ever hack of U.S. government agencies. But President Donald Trump, long wary of blaming Moscow for cyberattacks, has so far been silent.

"I decided the best thing to do would be to appoint them under the same regulation that covered Bob Mueller," Attorney General William Barr said.

In his final press conference, the attorney general also reinforced that federal officials believe Russia was behind the cyberespionage operation targeting the U.S. government. President Trump had suggested, without evidence, that China could be responsible.