Ex-FBI chief: Trump asked me to drop Russia links probe
DONALD Trump did try to stop the investigation into former security adviser Michael Flynn’s links to Russia, says ex-FBI boss James Comey.
The revelation is expected to increase calls for the US President to face impeachment.
Mr Comey will insist to a Senate Select Committee on Intelligence today that Mr Trump told him: “I hope you can see your way clear to letting this go; to letting Flynn go. He is a good guy.”
The then FBI boss will tell the committee, which is probing possible meddling by Russia into the US election: “I did not say I would ‘let this go’.” Details of the February 14 conversation were recorded by Mr Comey immediately after the Oval Office meeting.
Flynn had resigned the previous day as National Security Advisor, following reports he had misled US officials over his contact with the Russians.
Mr Comey will also reveal that he was summoned to the White House for a one-on-one dinner on January 27.
Mr Trump asked whether the intelligence chief wanted to stay as FBI chief. After saying he did, Mr Trump is said to have added: “I need loyalty, I expect loyalty.” Mr Comey said he did not reply but when the President brought up the subject again, he responded: “You will always get honesty from me.” Mr Comey, who was sacked by Trump last month, will tell of a March 30 phone call where the President stressed that “the cloud” of the Russia inquiry was “interfering with his ability to make deals for the country”. The billionaire had been briefed on January 6 about allegations he had been with “hookers” while in Russia. These were denied. Meanwhile, Mr Trump has revealed his choice to lead the FBI: “I will be nominating Christopher A Wray, a man of impeccable credentials.” Mr Wray, 49, was in charge of the US Justice Department’s criminal division from 2003 through to 2005 under President George W Bush. Eric Trump, 33, the President’s third child, has attacked those who criticise his father, saying: “Morality has just gone. I’ve never seen hatred like this. To me, they’re not even people. “Morals have flown out the window. We deserve so much better than this as a country.”