William Barr was speaking during a nine-hour Senate confirmation hearing, surprising many by voicing views that did not always align with those of the US president.

He said he believed Russia had tried to interfere in the 2016 presidential election and that “we have to get to the bottom of it”.

And he backed the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller into allegations of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia during that election.

Democrats had feared a new attorney general could derail or even end the inquiry, which Mr Trump has described as a witch hunt.

But Mr Barr said he disagreed with Mr Trump’s description and would resist any calls to fire Mr Mueller without cause, although, he added, it was “unimaginable” that the former FBI director would give him any cause.

He insisted the investigation, which is reportedly nearing its conclusion, was in the public interest.

Mr Barr and Mr Mueller worked together at the Justice Department between 1991 and 1993 and Mr Barr described his former employee as “a straight shooter” and a friend of 30 years who would not “be involved in a witch hunt”.

The 68-year-old, who is partially retired, said he would “do the right thing and not really care about the consequences”, adding that, if the president asked him to act illegally, it would be his duty to resign.

“I will not be bullied into doing anything that I think is wrong by anybody, whether it be editorial boards or congress or the president,” he said.

His words were an effort to reassure Democrats that he would not be blindly loyal to a president who regularly called for his Democrat rival Hillary Clinton to be “locked up” – a call Mr Barr said he had frowned on.

He also said he would not direct the Justice Department to go after marijuana companies in states where the drug is legal (it is still illegal under federal law) and would not rule out jailing reporters “as a last resort” in contempt cases.

Mr Trump reportedly watched the coverage of Mr Barr’s hearing and told staff he was pleased with how his choice was handling himself.

Speaking again about the Mueller inquiry, Mr Barr also said he would only allow a subpoena of Mr Trump “if there was a factual basis”.

He said that he saw no reason to go against legal opinions from the Justice Department that a sitting president could not be indicted.

He also said he believed in the use of border walls, saying: “We need money right now for border security, including walls and barriers.”

The hearing continues on Wednesday, although it is likely Mr Barr will be confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate.

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