Downfall of FBI director James Comey

President Trump has fired FBI director James Comey, citing his handling of the inquiry into Hillary Clinton’s emails. Democrats view the move as an attempt to subvert the ongoing FBI investigation into alleged links between the Trump campaign and Russia

July 5, 2016: James Comey recommends no criminal charges against Democratic presidential
candidate Hillary Clinton over her handling of secret information on her private email server, but slams her for being “extremely careless”

July: FBI opens investigation – not made public – into Russian attempts to meddle in impending election, which includes probing any connections between Trump campaign and Russian government

Oct 28: FBI reopens probe into Clinton’s emails, just 11 days before presidential election, following discovery of new trove of emails

Nov 6: Two days before election, Comey reaffirms earlier decision not to recommend prosecution against Clinton

Nov 8: Trump defeats Clinton to become U.S. President

Jan 22, 2017: Two days after his inauguration, Trump greets Comey at White House reception with warm handshake, saying: “He’s become more famous than me”

Mar 20: Comey confirms FBI is investigating possible links between Trump campaign and Kremlin

May 2: Clinton says Comey’s public comments about investigation into her emails contributed to her election defeat

May 3: Before Senate Judiciary Committee, Comey defends himself against Democrat charges of inconsistency in speaking publicly about investigation into Clinton’s emails while not disclosing probe into improper ties between Trump associates and Russia

May 9: Trump fires Comey, saying he is “no longer fit” to lead FBI


Sources: Wire agencies 

Picture: Getty Images

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