Trump calls former FBI director a "showboat" and "grandstander"
US President Donald Trump has 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.
Trump fires FBI director James Comey over Clinton emails
US President Donald Trump has fired FBI director James Comey over his handling of an investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails. His dismissal comes after it emerged that he provided inaccurate information about Clinton's emails in a Congressional testimony last week. The White House announcement has sent shockwaves across Washington. Comey reportedly learnt of his dismissal while watching television news.
Trump denies that he wanted FBI inquiry dropped
Trump said he had asked Comey "if it's possible would you let me know, 'Am I under investigation?'" He said Comey replied he wasn't. "There's no collusion between me and my campaign and the Russians," Trump added. He recently tweeted that the collusion allegations were a "total hoax." Trump also denied that he wanted the FBI inquiry dropped; he instead wanted it speeded up.
Trump: Comey 'not able to effectively lead FBI'
In Comey's termination letter, Trump wrote he was in agreement with US Attorney General Jeff Sessions's recommendation that "you are not able to effectively lead the Bureau." "It is essential that we find new leadership for the FBI that restores public trust and confidence in its vital law enforcement mission," it added. The White House said the search for a successor would soon begin.
Trump says it was his decision to fire Comey
In an interview with NBC, Trump appeared to backtrack on the initial White House explanation that his decision to fire Comey was on the recommendation of the Department of Justice. He said, "The FBI has been in turmoil. I was going to fire Comey. My decision." "I was going to fire regardless of recommendation."
Acting FBI director says he won't allow White House interference
The White House had said the Russia inquiry was "probably one of the smallest things" that the FBI handled. However, acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe has disagreed saying it's "a highly significant investigation." McCabe said while testifying to the Senate Intelligence Committee that he would notify the panel if there were any attempts by the White House to interfere with the enquiry.
McCabe says FBI employees held Comey in high regard
McCabe rejected the White House's claims that Comey had lost the confidence of his FBI colleagues. "I can confidently tell you that the vast majority of employees enjoyed a deep and positive connection to Director Comey," he said to the Senate panel.
