Washington : President Donald Trump today abruptly fired FBI Director James Comey who was leading an investigation into whether his election campaign had links to Russias alleged interference in the US polls, a surprise move that has created a political furore. In a letter, Trump told Comey, 56, that he was no longer effectively able to lead the bureau and it was necessary to restore "public trust and confidence" in it. "You are hereby terminated and removed from the office, effective immediately," Trump said in the letter.
The shock move comes days after Comey testified on Capitol Hill about the FBIs investigation into Russias meddling into the US elections and a possible collusion between Trump campaign and Moscow. In the letter, Trump acknowledged that Comey had informed him "on three separate occasions" that he was not under investigation. "I nevertheless concur with the judgement of the Department of Justice that you are not able to effectively lead the bureau," he added.
The White House said the search for a new FBI director would begin immediately. Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters: "The president has accepted the recommendation of the Attorney General (Jeff Sessions) and the Deputy Attorney General (Rod Rosenstein) regarding the dismissal." In a statement released by the White House, Trump said: "The FBI is one of our nations most cherished and respected institutions and today will mark a new beginning for our crown jewel of law enforcement." PTI
