Donald Trump’s firing of James Comey brings comparisons to Nixon, demands for special prosecutor
Donald Trump’s decision to fire FBI Director James Comey today was a last ditch attempt at fending off the investigation into his Russia scandal, but based on the immediate reaction, it’s already backfiring. Even some Republicans in Congress are openly criticizing the move, while Democrats are demanding a special prosecutor, and the comparisons to Richard Nixon turn into full throated shouts.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that “First Pres Trump fired Sally Yates, then Preet Bharara. Now #Comey. Doesn’t seem like an accident. We must have a special prosecutor. If we don’t get a special prosecutor, every American will rightfully suspect that the decision to fire #Comey was part of a cover-up” (link). Senator Patrick Leahy, also a Democrat, condemned the move as being “no less than Nixonian” (link). But the Republican responses may be more eye opening.
Republican Senator Bob Corker stated that James Comey’s “removal at this particular time will raise questions” (link), tacitly acknowledging that Donald Trump made the move under suspicious circumstances. Republican Senator John McCain said that he was “disappointed” in the firing of Comey, and he called for a special congressional committee to investigate Trump’s scandals (link). However one prominent Republican is supporting the firing.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham made a rare break from his friend John McCain today by announcing that he’s in favor of the James Comey firing. Graham tweeted “Given the recent controversies surrounding the Director, I believe a fresh start will serve the FBI and the nation well” (link). Given that Graham has shown himself highly motivated to get to the bottom of Trump’s Russia scandal, and in fact arranged the testimony of Trump nemesis Sally Yates today, it raises the following question: what does Lindsey Graham know about this firing that the rest of us don’t? Help fund Palmer Report
