FBI Acting Director Andrew McCabe said Thursday that President Trump’s firing of former Director James Comey has not measurably slowed down the bureau’s investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 elections.
McCabe was asked by Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., whether Comey’s dismissal has hurt the FBI’s investigation in any way, but McCabe said there were problems.
“As you know, senator, the work of the men and women of the FBI continues despite any changes in circumstance, any decisions,” McCabe said. “So there has been no effort to impede our investigation to date. Simply put, sir, you cannot stop the men and women of the FBI from doing the right thing, protecting the American people, and upholding the Constitution.”
McCabe’s appearance sparked interest in what was otherwise a routine hearing by the Senate Intelligence Committee into emerging worldwide threats. McCabe has been the acting director for less than two days in the aftermath of President Trump’s surprise decision to fire Comey.
Earlier in the hearing, Committee Chairman Richard Burr asked McCabe if he was aware of any conversations where Comey told the president that he was not under federal investigation. McCabe said he couldn’t comment on any conversations between Comey and Trump.
