US Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Thursday he intends to stay in his job despite blistering criticism from President Donald Trump over the top law enforcement official's decision to recuse himself from the Russia election meddling probe.

Asked at a press conference if he plans to resign, Sessions replied: "I have the honor of serving as attorney general. It is something that goes beyond any thought I would have ever had for myself."

"I plan to continue to do so as long as that is appropriate," he added.

In an interview with The New York Times on Wednesday, Trump said he would never have chosen Sessions for the post if he had known he would recuse himself.