A number of Republican lawmakers voiced disappointment at President Trump’s firing of FBI Director James Comey Tuesday evening.
Freshman Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska called the timing of the firing “very troubling.”
“Jim Comey is an honorable public servant, and in the midst of a crisis of public trust that goes well beyond who you voted for in the presidential election, the loss of an honorable public servant is a loss for the nation. As the chairman of the Judiciary Committee’s Oversight Subcommittee, I have reached out to the Deputy Attorney General for clarity on his rationale for recommending this action,” Sasse said.
North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr was also “troubled” by the unexpected move.
“I have found Director Comey to be a public servant of the highest order, and his dismissal further confuses an already difficult investigation by the Committee. In my interactions with the Director and with the Bureau under his leadership, he and the FBI have always been straightforward with our Committee. Director Comey has been more forthcoming with information than any FBI Director I can recall in my tenure on the congressional intelligence committees,” Burr said in a statement. “His dismissal, I believe, is a loss for the Bureau and the nation.”
Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee admitted the Trump administration carried out a “thorough” process of terminating Comey, but said he believes the loss will “raise questions.”
“It is essential that ongoing investigations are fulsome and free of political interference until their completion, and it is imperative that President Trump nominate a well-respected and qualified individual to lead the bureau at this critical time,” Corker said.
Arizona Sen. John McCain said he was “disappointed” by Trump’s decision despite his having the legal authority to remove Comey from his position. Following the Tuesday setback, McCain wants to see a special congressional committee created to investigate Russia’s interference in the 2016 election.
“The president’s decision to remove the FBI Director only confirms the need and the urgency of such a committee,” McCain said.
