WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump abruptly fired James Comey as director of the FBI in the midst of the law enforcement agency's investigation into whether Trump's presidential campaign was connected to Russian meddling in the election. In a letter to Comey, Trump said the dismissal was necessary to restore the public's trust and confidence.
Some Twitter reaction to Comey's:
Comey lost the confidence of almost everyone in Washington, Republican and Democrat alike. When things calm down, they will be thanking me!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 10, 2017
Given the recent controversies surrounding the Director, I believe a fresh start will serve the FBI and the nation well.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) May 9, 2017
It is clear that whomever President Trump handpicks to lead the FBI will not be able to objectively carry out the Russia investigation.
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) May 9, 2017
If we don't get a special prosecutor, every American will rightfully suspect that the decision to fire #Comey was part of a cover-up.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) May 9, 2017
We need a real, independent prosecutor who @realDonaldTrump can't fire, Sessions can't intimidate, & Congress can't muzzle. We need it now.
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) May 9, 2017
I was not a huge Comey fan, he politicized investigations, both sides of the aisle lost confidence in him. Lots of crocodile tears in dc
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) May 10, 2017
Comey should be immediately called to testify in an open hearing about the status of Russia/Trump investigation at the time he was fired.
— Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) May 9, 2017
Gov. John Kasich statement on James Comey pic.twitter.com/Wrwj6sGqnz
— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) May 10, 2017
@realDonaldTrump Didn't you know you're supposed to wait til Saturday night to massacre people investigating you? https://t.co/dQpgWsR6ND
— John Podesta (@johnpodesta) May 9, 2017
Bipartisan Congressional investigations will continue. Actively seeking additional info on President's decision before commenting further.
— Frank LoBiondo (@RepLoBiondo) May 9, 2017
This is Nixonian. Deputy AG Rod Rosenstein must immediately appoint a special prosecutor to continue the Trump/Russia investigation.
— Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) May 9, 2017
FUN FACT: President Nixon never fired the Director of the FBI #FBIDirector #notNixonian pic.twitter.com/PatArKOZlk
— RichardNixonLibrary (@NixonLibrary) May 9, 2017
I am troubled by the timing and reasoning of Director Comey’s termination.
— Richard Burr (@SenatorBurr) May 9, 2017
Congressional Republicans cannot possibly disagree now: the only fix to this mess is an independent commission with subpoena power.
— Brian Fallon (@brianefallon) May 9, 2017
My statement on FBI Director James Comey: pic.twitter.com/OTDZBy6VeR
— Senator Bob Corker (@SenBobCorker) May 9, 2017