‘Under assault’:
Former national intelligence chief laments actions by both President Trump and Russia.
WASHINGTON — American democracy is “under assault” from both President Trump and Russia, the former U.S. intelligence chief warned Sunday, expressing dismay over the abrupt firing of FBI director James Comey amid a probe into Moscow’s meddling in U.S. elections and possible ties with the Trump campaign.
As Trump works to fast-track Comey’s successor, lawmakers from both parties on Sunday talk shows urged him to steer clear of any politicians for the job.
“I think, in many ways, our institutions are under assault, both externally — and that’s the big news here, is the Russian interference in our election system,” said James Clapper, the former director of national intelligence. “I think as well our institutions are under assault internally.”
When he was asked, “Internally, from the president?” Clapper answered, “Exactly.”
Clapper spoke after Trump’s sudden firing of Comey last week, which drew sharp criticism because it came while the FBI is investigating Russia’s interference in the 2016 presidential election.
Lawmakers from both parties reprimanded Trump’s actions last week, which included shifting explanations from the White House for Comey’s dismissal and an ominous tweet by Trump that warned Comey against leaks to the press because he may have tapes of their conversations. The lawmakers said the president would need to hand over to Congress any taped conversations with Comey, if they exist.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said promoting an FBI agent to lead the agency would allow the nation to “reset.” He dismissed as less desirable at least two of the 14 candidates under consideration by Trump, former Rep. Mike Rogers of Michigan and Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, explaining that “these are not normal circumstances.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said the new FBI director should be someone “not of partisan background” with “great experience” and “courage.”
Clapper and Schumer made their comments on CNN; Graham spoke on NBC.