Sacked FBI chief ‘wanted more cash to probe Trump Russia links’
DONALD Trump fired FBI Director James Comey just days after he asked for more money and staff to probe the Presidential team’s dealings with Russia, it was claimed.
He allegedly requested the extra resources in a meeting last week with Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.
The revelation came as sources claim Mr Trump had called for Mr Comey’s dismissal due to his inability to control what was being said on the investigation into Russian election meddling.
The President is said to have often been heard screaming at TV clips about the probe and repeatedly asking aides why it was not disappearing.
It led to the US leader asking his Attorney General Jeff Sessions to come up with a reason to fire Mr Comey.
In March, Mr Sessions was forced to remove himself from the Russian investigation after it emerged he had met with Moscow officials, despite previously denying doing so.
Several of President Trump’s aides, including former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, have already been found to have had secret links to Russia, and charges could yet be brought.
Democrats have now demanded a special independent prosecutor be appointed to lead the investigation – which Republicans have rejected. Yesterday Mr Trump defended his decision to sack Mr Comey saying: “He was not doing a good job, very simply.” Earlier he had tweeted: “James Comey will be replaced by someone who will do a far better job, bringing back the spirit and prestige of the FBI. “Comey lost the confidence of almost everyone in Washington, Republican and Democrat alike. When things calm down, they will be thanking me.” Meanwhile, Mr Trump yesterday met with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. When asked about Mr Comey’s dismissal, Mr Lavrov responded sarcastically: “Was he fired? You’re kidding. You’re kidding.” Mr Lavrov is the highest-ranking Russian official Mr Trump has so far met as President. And speaking before taking to the ice at a hockey game in Sochi, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Mr Comey’s dismissal would have “no effect” on relations between Washington and Moscow. Mr Comey, 56, was blindsided by Tuesday’s decision, finding out he was being fired via live TV screens in Los Angeles. Vice President Mike Pence yesterday insisted Mr Trump’s decision was nothing to do with Russia. He said: “As has been stated repeatedly and the President has been told, he’s not under investigation.”
James Comey will be replaced by someone who will do a better job DONALD TRUMP ON SACKING FBI DIRECTOR