Analysts Believe Comey’s Letter Handed Election to Trump
President Donald Trump reportedly has asked James Comey to stay on as head of the FBI. By law, thanks to reforms put in place after J. Edgar Hoover’s enure, the head of the Bureau is appointed to a ten-year term, designed to overlap more than one administration. But the president can fire the FBI Director. And with the exception of Robert Mueller, who served President George W. Bush during and after 9/11, no FBI chief after Hoover has served their full ten-year term.
On Sunday, President Trump, during a White House reception for law enforcement and first responders, blew Comey a kiss, whispered something in his ear, and gave him a thumbs up sign as the two exchanged greetings.
Many believe Comey is friendly to Trump, given his actions during the election. Comey chose to very publicly tell Congress the FBI had discovered a laptop shared by Clinton top aide Huma Abedin and her estranged husband Anthony Weiner, which had emails on it.Â
Election analysts, including Nate Silver, strongly believe Comey’s letter to Congress announcing the discovery of the emails turned the election to Trump’s favor.
Comey also hid the fact that the FBI for many months has been investigating members of the Trump campaign and their relationship with Russian officials.Â
Director Comey “told his top agents from around the country that he had been asked by President Trump to stay on the job running the federal government’s top law enforcement agency,” The New York Times reports, citing “people familiar with the matter.”Â
“When Mr. Comey and the president-elect met in Trump Tower for the first time earlier this month for an intelligence briefing, Mr. Trump told the F.B.I. director that he hoped he would remain in his position, according to people briefed on the matter. And Mr. Trump’s aides have made it clear to Mr. Comey that the president does not plan to ask him to leave, these people said.”
The Dept. of Justice is reviewing the FBI’s handling of the investigation into Clinton’s emails, including Comey’s decision to publicize the discovery of Abedin’s laptop with Clinton emails.
Some responses via Twitter:
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