Attorney General Jeff Sessions acknowledged Tuesday that President Trump is often critical of him, saying the commander-in-chief often "speaks his mind," but at the same time touted his agency's ability to accomplish the Trump agenda's goals.

The nation's top cop was asked about Trump saying on “60 Minutes” in a Sunday interview that he was “very disappointed” in his attorney general, as well as a handful of other criticisms.

“The president speaks his mind. He says what’s on his mind at the time,” Sessions told reporters at the Justice Department’s headquarters in downtown Washington during a news conference to announce a crackdown on a Mexican drug cartel. “He’s been frustrated about my recusal and other matters, but we have been so pleased and honored to be given the responsibility to execute his agenda at the Department of Justice. Part of that is just this kind of case.”

Sessions has often caught the ire of Trump for recusing himself from the Justice Department’s investigation into Russian election meddling and its possible connections to the Trump campaign. After his March 2017 recusal, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein appointed special counsel Robert Mueller in May 2017 to head the investigation that Trump routinely attacks as a "witch hunt."

Rumors have swirled that Trump might fire or force Sessions to resign from his post, though that would not happen until after the November midterm elections.

“I am pleased and honored to have that responsibility, and will do so as long as its appropriate to do so,” Sessions said.

He then looked for another reporter to ask a question when again pressed if Trump has pressured him to resign privately, not answering the question directly. "I think..." Sessions said before turning his attention elsewhere.

Sessions also addressed the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist who went missing two weeks ago after going into the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Khashoggi, who was often critical of the Saudi Arabian government, was reportedly killed.

When asked about what U.S. law enforcement will be doing about the apparent killing, Sessions was vague in his reply. “It’s a matter that’s being given serious evaluation. The FBI understands its responsibilities. I’m not able to comment on any details on what might be occurring,” he said.

Khashoggi was a U.S. resident, but not a U.S. citizen, when he disappeared earlier this month.

When pressed on his alleged murder, Sessions condemned violence against journalists.

“It is a big deal. It is an unacceptable trend,” Sessions explained. “Mexico may have had in the last several years the greatest number of attacks on journalists, murders of journalists. Probably, the world has not reacted sufficiently to it. The world will be diminished if journalists are not able to go travel and report honestly on conditions in differing countries, or people in their own country can’t report on corruption or crime or misconduct in their countries, so, I think it can even separate countries from the civilized community.”

Sessions said he “feels strongly” about it, as does Trump, and added: “We at the Department of Justice will do what we can and I think maybe give new attention to this issue.”