I believe that Sessions recused himself in order to shield his reputation from a likely order from Trump to stop investigations into Trump's Russian connections and other potential pitfalls. This administration grinds up reputations and spits them out on the ground. The pervasive leaks show a generally low morale in the administration's worker bees. A tyrant who likes to say "You're fired!" at the slightest excuse is not a morale booster. I would be surprised if Trump doesn't fire Sessions in the next week, install a new AG, and insist on firing Mueller. That in my opinion would be an early fourth act in the Tragedy of King Donald.