During a discussion at the Aspen Institute Friday, Attorney General Loretta Lynch did her best to reassure the public her secret meeting with former President Bill Clinton in Phoenix earlier this week will not have any bearing on the ongoing FBI investigation into Hillary Clinton's private email server. The FBI is also investigating the Clinton Foundation, which the former President runs, for potential public corruption. She maintained the discussion during the meeting was about grandchildren, former Attorney General Janet Reno and other "social" topics and said the discussion would have no bearing on the outcome of current investigations.
"Certainly my meeting with [Bill Clinton] raises questions and concerns," Lynch said.
"It's painful to me because the integrity of the Department of Justice is important to me," Lynch continued, acknowledging accusations of a conflict of interest. "I certainly wouldn't do it again...it has cast a shadow."
When asked if she was recusing herself from the case, Lynch said no.
Lynch also confirmed she will take the recommendation from the FBI as to how to proceed surrounding the criminal investigation into Hillary Clinton's private email server. She said the decision to accept the recommendations of career prosecutors inside the Department was made months ago.
"The recommendations will be reviewed by career supervisors in the Department of Justice and in the FBI, and by the FBI director, and then as is the common process, they present it to me and I fully expect to accept their recommendations," Lynch said.
This report has been updated with additional information.