“He’s a tremendous man and tremendous person who really respects this country and respects the justice system. So that’ll be totally up to him,” Trump said in the Oval Office Wednesday when asked about a new CNN report that Barr is preparing to announce the completion of Mueller’s work as soon as next week.

Last week, at the close of meandering remarks in the Rose Garden, Trump similarly praised Barr. “I want to wish our attorney general great luck and speed — and enjoy your life,” the president declared.

And notably, Trump didn’t take the bait when Barr praised outgoing Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein just one day after Trump debased Rosenstein, accusing him of being part of a rogue, lawless group within the Justice Department.