In a hugely anticipated hearing, fired FBI director James Comey recounted a series of conversations with President Donald Trump that he says made him deeply uneasy and concerned about the blurring of boundaries between the White House and a law enforcement agency that prides itself on independence. Follow The Quint for all the live updates of the testimony.
- FBI director James Comey recounted a series of conversations with President Donald Trump
- The outcome of Comey’s testimony could have significant repercussions for Trump’s 139-day-old presidency
- A released transcript of the testimony said Trump had asked Comey to drop its investigation of former NSA Michael Flynn
Trump, as Comey Takes Spotlight, Vows to Stay Strong and Fight
US President Donald Trump, in a speech across town from a closely watched congressional hearing on his dealings with the FBI amid its Russia probe, told supporters on Thursday their movement was "under siege" and vowed to fight on.
"We're under siege...but we will come out bigger and better and stronger than ever," he said during a separate speech in Washington. "We will not back down from doing what is right ...we know how to fight and we will never give up."
White House Spokeswoman Says Trump "Not a Liar"
A White House spokeswoman says President Donald Trump is "not a liar."
Former FBI Director James Comey opened his Senate testimony by saying the administration had spread "lies, plain and simple" and "defamed" him and the agency.
The White House had claimed after Comey's 9 May dismissal that he had lost the confidence of rank-and-file FBI agents.
Trump claimed separately in a television interview that the FBI was "in turmoil" and hadn't recovered.
Trump spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders disputed Comey's testimony when asked about it during an off-camera briefing at the White House, saying "I can definitely say the president's not a liar."
US House Speaker Cites Trump's Lack of Experience Amid FBI Russia Probe
US House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan on Thursday, asked about President Donald Trump's interactions with former FBI Director James Comey, said Trump "was new at this" and probably not "steeped" in FBI independence from the White House.
"He's new in government, and so therefore I think he's learning as he goes," Ryan told reporters at a news conference. "I'm not saying it's an acceptable excuse. It's just my observation."
Release All the Tapes, Says Comey
When asked if he will consent to releasing the tapes, James Comey said he did not have any problems in releasing the tapes.
The president surely knows whether he taped me, and if he did my feelings aren’t hurt. Release all the tapes, I’m good with it.James Comey