WASHINGTON — (AP) President Donald Trump has fired FBI Director James Comey.
In a statement, Trump says Comey’s firing “will mark a new beginning” for the FBI. The White House says the search for a new FBI director will begin immediately.
Comey’s firing comes days after he testified on Capitol Hill about the FBI’s investigation into Russia’s election meddling and possible connections between Russia and Trump’s campaign.
Trump’s letter to Comey was as follows:
“Dear Director Comey,
I have received the attached letter from the Attorney General and Deputy General of the United States recommending your dismissal as the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. I have accepted their recommendation and you are hereby terminated and removed from office, effective immediately.
While I greatly appreciate you informing me, on three separate occasions, that I am not under investigation, I nevertheless concur with the judgement of the Department of Justice 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.
I wish you the best of luck in future endeavors,
Donald J. Trump”
Here’s the letter President Trump sent to FBI Director James Comey regarding his dismissal https://t.co/EMgwUlg0j4pic.twitter.com/yCdDgugcX7
— CNN (@CNN) May 9, 2017
Here are some reactions from our local legislators:
Comey’s removal is all about Russia and ongoing criminal investigations into Trump campaign aides.
— Gerry Connolly (@GerryConnolly) May 9, 2017
The “you’re fired” approach doesn’t work when you’re President. @POTUS you’re creating a crisis of confidence in our Justice Department.
— Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) May 9, 2017
Trump firing Comey shows how frightened the Admin is over Russia investigation
— Senator Tim Kaine (@timkaine) May 9, 2017
President Trump called at least two members of the Senate Judiciary Committee minutes before the White House announced the dismissal of FBI Director James Comey on Tuesday.
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California both said they received calls from Trump. Graham is heading the panel’s probe into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and Feinstein is the top Democrat on the committee.
Neither senator criticized the decision. Graham was supportive, saying that “given the recent controversies surrounding the director, I believe a fresh start will serve the FBI and the nation well.”
Feinstein said Trump told her the FBI needed a change, and that the next director “must be strong and independent.”
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