ABC News interviews former FBI director James Comey for a special edition of “20/20” that aired on Sunday, April 15, 2018 (Credit: Ralph Alswang/ABC/Getty Images)
“President Trump has fired FBI Director James Comey, the White House announced Tuesday afternoon.
Trump fired Comey based on the recommendation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions and his deputy, Rod Rosenstein, White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters.
“While I greatly appreciate you informing me, on three separate occasions, that I am not under investigation, I nevertheless concur with the judgment of the Department of Justice that you are not able to lead the bureau,” Trump wrote in a letter to Comey dated Tuesday.
“It is essential that we find new leadership for the FBI that restores public trust and confidence in its vital law enforcement mission,” the president wrote.
In a statement on Comey’s firing released by the White House, Trump called the FBI “one of our Nation’s most cherished and respected institutions,” adding, “today will mark a new beginning for our crown jewel of law enforcement.”
The White House said that a search for a new permanent FBI director would “begin immediately.” (Read more: The Hill, 5/09/2018)