Trump defends decision, says Comey wasn't "doing a good job"
President Donald Trump justified his decision to fire FBI director James Comey, saying "he was not doing a good job." "Comey lost the confidence of almost everyone in Washington, Republican and Democrat alike," Trump tweeted. The Trump administration said it fired Comey over his handling of an investigation into Hillary Clinton's email scandal. Comey was investigating alleged links between the Trump campaign and Russia.
FBI agents left stunned, angered by Comey's firing
Several FBI agents said they were left stunned by Trump's decision to fire Comey, the New York Times has reported. Several agents are angry about the manner of the firing, as Comey learned of his dismissal from TV reports, which they consider disrespectful. Trump's standing as US president among agents, many of who supported his candidature, has suffered.
Putin denies any role in Trump's decision to fire Comey
Russian President Vladimir Putin weighed in on Comey's firing saying: "We have nothing to do with that." He added, "President Trump is acting in according with his competence and in accordance with his law and constitution."
McCain says Trump hasn't given sufficient explanation over Comey
John McCain, a senior Republican senator, said he's yet to see a good explanation from Trump over his decision to fire Comey. "When you fire probably, arguably, the most respected person in America, you'd better have a very good explanation, and so far I haven't seen that," McCain said. He said he doesn't find "sufficient rationale" in the White House's justifications over Comey's firing.
Comey to FBI colleagues - "I'll be fine"
In a letter to his colleagues, Comey reportedly wrote he isn't dwelling on the nature of his dismissal and neither should they. "It is done, and I will be fine, although I will miss you and the mission deeply," Comey wrote. "I have long believed that a President can fire an FBI Director for any reason, or for no reason at all," he added.
Senate panel seeks documents from ex-NSA Flynn's in Russia probe
Meanwhile, the US Senate Intelligence Committee has issued a formal demand for documents from Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security adviser. The panel, which is investigating Russia's alleged interference in last year's election, said Flynn hasn't voluntarily cooperated with the probe. Flynn was forced to resign in February for concealing information about his contacts with Russia. Comey was also investigating Russia's alleged election meddling.
