James Comey’s rapid fall

July 2016

The FBI quietly opens an investigation into Russian interference in the US election, which would only be officially revealed eight months later.

October 7

US intelligence officials announce that top Russian officials are behind hacking and disinformation operations designed to disrupt the election.

November 8

Donald Trump (above) wins the election in a shock upset over Democrat Hillary Clinton (right), under the shadow of Russian interference and Comey's controversial handling of an investigation into Clinton's private email server.

December 10

Democrats accuse Comey of withholding information about Russian election interference during the campaign to boost Trump.

January 6, 2017

Comey and three other top intelligence officials brief Trump on their conclusion that Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) was behind the bid to interfere with the election, in support of Trump.

Mid-January

Trump asks Comey to stay in his post in the new administration.

February 14

The FBI rejects a White House request to refute a New York Times story alleging numerous contacts between Trump campaign officials and Russian intelligence.

February 24

Trump blasts the FBI over news reports on the Russia case, tweeting: “The FBI is totally unable to stop the national security “leakers” that have permeated our government for a long time”.

March 8

Comey says he plans to stay in his job for a full 10-year term, until 2023, quipping: “You are stuck with me for another six-and-a-half years”.