The flattery is mixed with a sense of finality as key people in the president's orbit are beginning to turn the page and acknowledge his defeat.

In a joint statement, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, and Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan accused the Trump administration of playing politics and said withholding federal funds would be illegal.

Trump, in his tweet, also left open the possibility that he would ask Barr for something in a criminal matter in the future.