Thanks for that. I went digging, based on your lead. Just for the thread ...
Republican lawmakers rally around Sessions as Trump intensifies pressure | Reuters
That one cites "Two allies of Sessions," and the way i read the report, they are giving their impression, without telling us how they got it. Not saying they are wrong, just analyzing the report.
Republican lawmakers rally around Sessions as Trump intensifies pressure | Reuters
Nearly the same article, but a different URL.
Trump slams Sessions as not tough enough - The West Australian
Appears to be a slight modificaiotn of Reuters, but cites "Two people close to Sessions"
The two allies of Sessions said the attorney general, who was the first Republican senator to back Trump's presidential campaign, has been deeply offended by the public berating from his boss, but his resolve to stay is strong.
Right before this quote, the "Session allies" state that they believe it is an effort by Trump to get Sessions to "step down."
Whether it's a quote or just an impression, if real it means that Sessions knows Trump wants him to resign but is resisting the will of the President. The idea that Sessions is "offended" but "staying strong", even as a mere impression, is the surest sign of defiance.
Worse, if Sessions is behind these "allies" talking to the media to begin with, to make these statements, it resembles a political response.
That makes Sessions a political opponent!
All of this is inconsistent with Sessions being a humble servant of the President.
It's bizarre, it's inexplicable, but IF real, BIG IF, because we know it's Reuters, it explains why Trump is treating Sessions as a political opponent.