FBI Director James Comey Fired; McCabe Testifies Instead

Former FBI Director James Comey was not allowed to testify before the
Senate Intelligence Committee, but he will get a chance to have his say.
Photo: Shutterstock

The New York Times reported on May 10 that President Trump fired the director of the FBI. James B. Comey, abruptly terminating the top official leading a criminal investigation into whether Trump’s advisors colluded with the Russian government to steer the outcome of the 2016 presidential election.

Not only has the termination raised suspicion and speculation from Democrats who are up in arms, but even some members of the Republican party are concerned. The Republican chair of the committee, Richard Burr, is making clear that he’s “troubled by the timing and reasoning” of Donald Trump’s firing of James Comey. That’s a signal that Burr is now looking for answers as well.

Trump explained that the termination was based on Comey’s handling of the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server—an investigation which many believe aided Trump’s election. At the time, Trump praised Comey for his “guts” in pursuing the inquiry to the fullest extent. It is interesting that now he is claiming his action in firing Comey is based on behavior he previously praised.

Despite Comey’s termination, Mark Warner, a ranking member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, confirmed that James Comey will still testify before the committee about possible Trump/Russia ties during public hearings, as had been originally planned. Comey’s testimony will now take on a whole new meaning, as he is no longer in charge of the investigation into Trump. Some see him as a victim of what they believe to be Trump’s attempt to thwart the investigation.

James Comey was scheduled to testify in Senate Intelligence Committee public hearings on May 11, according to the committee website. However, Acting FBI Director James McCabe ultimately testified in his place.

Comey will, however, have his chance to give public testimony. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham invited the former FBI director to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“I’ve asked Comey to come before the Judiciary Committee to tell his side of the story,” Graham told reporters. “I think it would be good for him if he did. It would be good for the country.”

As of May 16, it was unclear whether Graham’s invitation was for a hearing before the full Judiciary Committee or the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism, which has jurisdiction over the FBI.