Lawmakers urge Trump to hand over any Comey tapes
Senior US lawmakers have urged President Donald Trump to hand over any recordings of his conversations with former FBI director James Comey, who Trump recently fired. In a tweet last week, Trump warned Comey against talking to the media and suggested he might have tapes of their conversations. Both Trump and a White House spokesman have declined to confirm or deny the tapes' existence.
Trump fires FBI director James Comey over Clinton emails
On May 10, US President Donald Trump fired FBI director James Comey over his handling of an investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails. His dismissal came after it emerged that he provided inaccurate information about Clinton's emails in a Congressional testimony last week. The White House announcement sent shockwaves across Washington. Comey reportedly learnt of his dismissal while watching television news.
Trump calls former FBI director a "showboat" and "grandstander"
On May 12, US President Donald Trump insisted that he isn't under investigation and called FBI director James Comey, who he recently fired, a "showboat" and "grandstander." Comey was leading an FBI inquiry about Russia's alleged interference in the US presidential elections and possible links between the Trump campaign and Moscow. Trump has dismissed the inquiry as a "charade," which Comey's successor directly contradicted.
What Trump tweeted
On May 12, Trump tweeted: "James Comey better hope that there are no 'tapes' of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!"
Republicans say White House must "clear the air" about tapes
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said the White House and Trump "can't be cute about tapes" and said if they exist, "they need to be turned over." Republican Senator Mike said if there are any such recordings, it is "inevitable" for them to be subpoenaed to secure their release. Lee also suggested it's "not necessarily the best idea" for the White House to record conversations.
More Americans disapprove of Trump's decision to fire Comey
According to an NBC/Wall Street Journal poll released on May 14, around 38% of Americans disapprove of Trump's decision to dismiss Comey, while 29% approve.
Democratic leader says Trump might break law by destroying tapes
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Trump should turn over any tapes to Congress immediately. "To destroy them would be a violation of law," he warned. He warned that unless a special prosecutor is named to probe Trump's alleged ties to Russia, Senate Democrats may refuse to vote on a new FBI director. He said a special prosecutor would ensure the probe remains independent.
Democrats won't be able to block new FBI director's nominee
The Republicans have a majority in the Senate. As a result, the Democrats won't be able to block any FBI nominee if they decide to boycott the vote. "The key is getting some of our Republican colleagues to join us," Schumer said. However, Republican senators have rejected calls for a special prosecutor, arguing it will hamper ongoing congressional investigations.
