President Trump lashed out at James Comey and the Justice Department on Friday after the former FBI director declined to answer several questions relating to special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation.
Comey testified to the House Judiciary and Oversight committees behind closed doors for much of the day, facing aggressive questioning from Republican lawmakers about the FBI’s efforts to surveil former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page as well as the origin of the Russia investigation, CNN reported.
A Justice Department lawyer sitting next to Comey repeatedly told the former FBI official that he would not be able to answer such questions.
“It is being reported that Leakin’ James Comey was told by Department of Justice attorneys not to answer the most important questions. Total bias and corruption at the highest levels of previous Administration. Force him to answer the questions under oath!” Trump tweeted after Comey left the meeting.
It is being reported that Leakin’ James Comey was told by Department of Justice attorneys not to answer the most important questions. Total bias and corruption at the highest levels of previous Administration. Force him to answer the questions under oath!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 7, 2018
Comey told reporters the FBI did not want him discussing specifics of a still-open investigation, noting that it was only a “very teeny part” of what he spoke about today with lawmakers.
Former FBI Director Comey, on testimony today:
“The FBI, for understandable reasons, doesn’t want me talking about the investigation that is still ongoing… but that is a very teeny part of what we spoke about today. A lot about Hillary Clinton’s emails, which will bore you.” pic.twitter.com/HboKP8FgEm
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) December 7, 2018
