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James Comey firing: FBI director's dismissal rocks Washington – live James Comey firing: FBI director's dismissal rocks Washington – live
(35 minutes later)
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17:50
Justice department walks back denial of Times report
Earlier today the justice department denied a New York Times report that Comey in recent days had “asked the Justice Department for a significant increase in money and personnel for the bureau’s investigation into Russia’s interference in the presidential election.”
The Times report has been changed from that original wording to refer to “resources,” not “money and personnel.”
That latest characterization squares with a new justice department explanation of what Comey had asked for.
Update: Spokeswoman Sarah Flores said "more resources" stead of "more money." Tells reporters she spoke directly w/ Rosenstein about reports https://t.co/tmjpi4pipo
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Further reactions from elected officials
Republican senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa: ‘suck it up’
Chuck Grassley on Comey firing: "Suck it up and move on" https://t.co/im9LZf9odE
Republican senator David Perdue of Georgia: ‘I stand behind’ Trump
President Trump acted decisively and within his authority, and I stand behind him. The FBI is much larger than one person and the bureau has thousands of agents working hard every day to keep our nation safe. I am confident a new permanent director will be nominated and confirmed as soon as possible.
Republican representative Trey Gowdy of South Carolina: thanks to Comey
Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-SC: https://t.co/bZtCwIx1UX pic.twitter.com/LsnrHEFQYd
Republican representative Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania: ‘confounding and troubling’
pic.twitter.com/DbEiQA1Ub0
Democratic senator Bob Casey: ‘Nixonian’
This is Nixonian. Deputy AG Rod Rosenstein must immediately appoint a special prosecutor to continue the Trump/Russia investigation.
5.13pm BST5.13pm BST
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Putin: 'we had nothing to do with it'Putin: 'we had nothing to do with it'
Putin, suited up for hockey, shrugs when asked about the Comey firing. He says Trump acted “according to his competence” and “we had nothing to do with it” and the effect on US-Russian relations would be nil. He also the question was funny at that moment. Putin, suited up for hockey, shrugs when asked about the Comey firing. He says Trump acted “according to his competence” and “we had nothing to do with it” and the effect on US-Russian relations would be nil. He also observed that the question was funny at that moment.
Our @elizapalmer caught Russian Pres. Putin rink side and asked him about the firing of former. Dir. Comey. pic.twitter.com/3nytJYi0siOur @elizapalmer caught Russian Pres. Putin rink side and asked him about the firing of former. Dir. Comey. pic.twitter.com/3nytJYi0si
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The justice department has denied the New York Times report that Comey recently requested new money and personnel to conduct the Russia-Trump inquiry:The justice department has denied the New York Times report that Comey recently requested new money and personnel to conduct the Russia-Trump inquiry:
BREAKING: Justice Dept spokeswoman flatly denies that Comey asked for more money and resources for Trump-Russia probe, contra reportsBREAKING: Justice Dept spokeswoman flatly denies that Comey asked for more money and resources for Trump-Russia probe, contra reports
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Trump and Putin to meet this summer, Lavrov saysTrump and Putin to meet this summer, Lavrov says
Here’s Julian Borger on Lavrov’s news conference:Here’s Julian Borger on Lavrov’s news conference:
Lavrov rejected Russian role in US politics as fake news. Praised Trump-Tillerson as being more "businesslike" that Obama..1/2Lavrov rejected Russian role in US politics as fake news. Praised Trump-Tillerson as being more "businesslike" that Obama..1/2
Lavrov 2/2 Said there was a "common understanding" on concept of "de-escalation zones" in Syria, with the US taking initiative in the southLavrov 2/2 Said there was a "common understanding" on concept of "de-escalation zones" in Syria, with the US taking initiative in the south
Lavrov also said a Trump-Putin meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit scheduled for July was confirmed today.Lavrov also said a Trump-Putin meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit scheduled for July was confirmed today.
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Comey had requested resources for Russian inquiry – NY TimesComey had requested resources for Russian inquiry – NY Times
The New York Times reports that “days before he was fired,” Comey “asked the Justice Department for a significant increase in money and personnel for the bureau’s investigation into Russia’s interference in the presidential election, according to three officials with knowledge of his request.”The New York Times reports that “days before he was fired,” Comey “asked the Justice Department for a significant increase in money and personnel for the bureau’s investigation into Russia’s interference in the presidential election, according to three officials with knowledge of his request.”
From the Times report:From the Times report:
Mr. Comey asked for the resources during a meeting last week with Rod J. Rosenstein, the deputy attorney general who wrote the Justice Department’s memo that was used to justify the firing of the F.B.I. director this week.Mr. Comey asked for the resources during a meeting last week with Rod J. Rosenstein, the deputy attorney general who wrote the Justice Department’s memo that was used to justify the firing of the F.B.I. director this week.
Mr. Comey then briefed members of Congress on the meeting in recent days.Mr. Comey then briefed members of Congress on the meeting in recent days.
Update: the justice department denies the Times report:Update: the justice department denies the Times report:
BREAKING: Justice Dept spokeswoman flatly denies that Comey asked for more money and resources for Trump-Russia probe, contra reportsBREAKING: Justice Dept spokeswoman flatly denies that Comey asked for more money and resources for Trump-Russia probe, contra reports
UpdatedUpdated
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Here’s video of the Trump response on Comey:Here’s video of the Trump response on Comey:
NEW: Pres. Trump when asked why he fired FBI Director Comey: “Because he wasn’t doing a good job. Very simple, he was not doing a good job” pic.twitter.com/b7zQqlyh4xNEW: Pres. Trump when asked why he fired FBI Director Comey: “Because he wasn’t doing a good job. Very simple, he was not doing a good job” pic.twitter.com/b7zQqlyh4x
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Guardian world affairs editor Julian Borger is waiting on Lavrov at the Russian embassy:Guardian world affairs editor Julian Borger is waiting on Lavrov at the Russian embassy:
Lavrov just about to start presser at Russian EmbassyLavrov just about to start presser at Russian Embassy
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Here’s a report from the White House press pool on the scene they discovered when they entered the Oval Office expecting to find Sergei Lavrov and instead found Henry Kissinger.Here’s a report from the White House press pool on the scene they discovered when they entered the Oval Office expecting to find Sergei Lavrov and instead found Henry Kissinger.
Q: Mr. President, why did you fire Director Comey?Q: Mr. President, why did you fire Director Comey?
TRUMP: “He wasn’t doing a good job. Very simply. He was not doing a good job.”TRUMP: “He wasn’t doing a good job. Very simply. He was not doing a good job.”
Q: Did it affect your meeting with the Russians today?Q: Did it affect your meeting with the Russians today?
TRUMP: “Not at all.”TRUMP: “Not at all.”
Trump did not respond when asked if the new FBI director will be in charge of the Russia investigation.Trump did not respond when asked if the new FBI director will be in charge of the Russia investigation.
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Burr opposes special prosecutorBurr opposes special prosecutor
Republicans are falling in behind the McConnell line: there’s no need for a special prosecutor. That includes North Carolina senator Richard Burr, who heads the intelligence committee, AP reports:Republicans are falling in behind the McConnell line: there’s no need for a special prosecutor. That includes North Carolina senator Richard Burr, who heads the intelligence committee, AP reports:
The chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee says there’s no need for a special prosecutor to investigate Russia’s ties to the Trump campaign in the wake of the firing of the FBI director.The chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee says there’s no need for a special prosecutor to investigate Russia’s ties to the Trump campaign in the wake of the firing of the FBI director.
Burr says his committee has the jurisdiction and responsibility to continue its Russia investigation and “we are going to do that.”Burr says his committee has the jurisdiction and responsibility to continue its Russia investigation and “we are going to do that.”
However Burr reiterated questions about President Donald Trump’s firing of FBI Director James Comey. “The timing of this and the reasoning for it doesn’t make sense to me.”However Burr reiterated questions about President Donald Trump’s firing of FBI Director James Comey. “The timing of this and the reasoning for it doesn’t make sense to me.”
And, Burr said that the firing “made our task a little more difficult but it didn’t make it impossible so we’ll continue.”And, Burr said that the firing “made our task a little more difficult but it didn’t make it impossible so we’ll continue.”
Burr said he spoke to Trump but wouldn’t detail the exchange. He said they didn’t discuss his committee’s investigationBurr said he spoke to Trump but wouldn’t detail the exchange. He said they didn’t discuss his committee’s investigation
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Henry Kissinger, what have you done with Sergei Lavrov?Henry Kissinger, what have you done with Sergei Lavrov?
Pool brought into the Oval. It's Trump and ... Kissinger. pic.twitter.com/1F1CPO4kQwPool brought into the Oval. It's Trump and ... Kissinger. pic.twitter.com/1F1CPO4kQw
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Trump on Comey: 'he was not doing a good job'Trump on Comey: 'he was not doing a good job'
WASHINGTON (AP) — Trump on decision to fire James Comey as FBI director: 'He was not doing a good job'WASHINGTON (AP) — Trump on decision to fire James Comey as FBI director: 'He was not doing a good job'
Trump just offered his first public comments on firing Comey while meeting with Henry Kissinger in the Oval OfficeTrump just offered his first public comments on firing Comey while meeting with Henry Kissinger in the Oval Office
4.18pm BST4.18pm BST
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Oh, Kislyak was there too, Moscow informs us:Oh, Kislyak was there too, Moscow informs us:
Ambassador Kislyak and President Trump / Посол С.Кисляк и Президент Д.Трамп pic.twitter.com/Ckkx2YL9KXAmbassador Kislyak and President Trump / Посол С.Кисляк и Президент Д.Трамп pic.twitter.com/Ckkx2YL9KX
4.13pm BST4.13pm BST
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The Washington Post’s Dave Weigel compares Republicans’ reactions to the Comey firing to their reactions to the Trump “grab ’em by the pussy” audio. Outrage followed by silence.The Washington Post’s Dave Weigel compares Republicans’ reactions to the Comey firing to their reactions to the Trump “grab ’em by the pussy” audio. Outrage followed by silence.
For all the attention on Rs with Comey questions, the story is most of the GOP and conservative media closing ranks. https://t.co/aSvDKvZw26For all the attention on Rs with Comey questions, the story is most of the GOP and conservative media closing ranks. https://t.co/aSvDKvZw26
Reminiscent of the “Access Hollywood” fallout — lots of attention on Trump critics, who eventually shrugged it off. https://t.co/NDx3xklo9JReminiscent of the “Access Hollywood” fallout — lots of attention on Trump critics, who eventually shrugged it off. https://t.co/NDx3xklo9J
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Moscow releases photo of Lavrov-Trump meetingMoscow releases photo of Lavrov-Trump meeting
#Lavrov - @realDonaldTrump meeting has just started | В Овальном кабинете началась встреча С.Лаврова с Д.Трампом#RussiaUSA #РоссияСША pic.twitter.com/7raFrkWhiC#Lavrov - @realDonaldTrump meeting has just started | В Овальном кабинете началась встреча С.Лаврова с Д.Трампом#RussiaUSA #РоссияСША pic.twitter.com/7raFrkWhiC
First photo of this meeting, which was closed to the press, comes from the Russian government. https://t.co/OdDDF16JAWFirst photo of this meeting, which was closed to the press, comes from the Russian government. https://t.co/OdDDF16JAW
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Pence: 'right decision, right time'Pence: 'right decision, right time'
Pence walking through the Capitol responds to questions about Comey firing: "Right decision, right time."Pence walking through the Capitol responds to questions about Comey firing: "Right decision, right time."
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Here’s further reaction, from centrist Republican senator Rob Portman, who asks for a “fuller explanation regarding the president’s rationale”:Here’s further reaction, from centrist Republican senator Rob Portman, who asks for a “fuller explanation regarding the president’s rationale”:
I want to thank Director Comey for his service to our country. Regardless of his handling of the Clinton email matter during the presidential election last year — for which both parties had questions and concerns — he has always done what he believed was in the best interest of the country. Given the timing and circumstances of the decision, I believe the White House should provide a fuller explanation regarding the president’s rationale. The American people must have faith in a strong, independent FBI. I’m concerned about eroding trust in this premier law enforcement agency. It is important that whoever is nominated to succeed Director Comey is a highly-qualified and respected leader who will provide a fresh start for the bureau.I want to thank Director Comey for his service to our country. Regardless of his handling of the Clinton email matter during the presidential election last year — for which both parties had questions and concerns — he has always done what he believed was in the best interest of the country. Given the timing and circumstances of the decision, I believe the White House should provide a fuller explanation regarding the president’s rationale. The American people must have faith in a strong, independent FBI. I’m concerned about eroding trust in this premier law enforcement agency. It is important that whoever is nominated to succeed Director Comey is a highly-qualified and respected leader who will provide a fresh start for the bureau.
And here is part of a transcript of majority leader McConnell’s remarks earlier on the senate floor. He accuses Democrats of playing politics:And here is part of a transcript of majority leader McConnell’s remarks earlier on the senate floor. He accuses Democrats of playing politics:
So what we have now, Mr. President, is our Democratic colleagues complaining about the removal of an FBI Director whom they themselves repeatedly and sharply criticized, by a man, Rod Rosenstein, whom they repeatedly and effusively praised — when Mr. Rosenstein recommended Mr. Comey’s removal for many of the very reasons they have complained about.So what we have now, Mr. President, is our Democratic colleagues complaining about the removal of an FBI Director whom they themselves repeatedly and sharply criticized, by a man, Rod Rosenstein, whom they repeatedly and effusively praised — when Mr. Rosenstein recommended Mr. Comey’s removal for many of the very reasons they have complained about.
McConnell also opposes “a new investigation,” ie a special prosecutor, and voices support for Rosenstein:McConnell also opposes “a new investigation,” ie a special prosecutor, and voices support for Rosenstein:
Two investigations are currently ongoing: the Senate Intelligence Committee’s review of Russian active measures and intelligence activities, and the FBI investigation disclosed by Director Comey. Today we will no doubt hear calls for a new investigation which could only serve to impede the current work being done to not only discover what the Russians may have done, but also to let this body and the national security community to develop the countermeasures and warfighting doctrine to see that it doesn’t occur again. Partisan calls should not delay the considerable work of Chairman Burr and Vice Chairman Warner — too much is at stake.Two investigations are currently ongoing: the Senate Intelligence Committee’s review of Russian active measures and intelligence activities, and the FBI investigation disclosed by Director Comey. Today we will no doubt hear calls for a new investigation which could only serve to impede the current work being done to not only discover what the Russians may have done, but also to let this body and the national security community to develop the countermeasures and warfighting doctrine to see that it doesn’t occur again. Partisan calls should not delay the considerable work of Chairman Burr and Vice Chairman Warner — too much is at stake.
Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein was just confirmed on a bipartisan basis — 94 to 6 — and that sort of fair consideration should continue when the Senate receives an FBI Director nominee. As I said yesterday, once the Senate receives a nomination to fill this position, we will all look forward to a full, fair, and timely confirmation process. This is a critical role that is particularly important as our country continues to face serious threats at home and abroad.Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein was just confirmed on a bipartisan basis — 94 to 6 — and that sort of fair consideration should continue when the Senate receives an FBI Director nominee. As I said yesterday, once the Senate receives a nomination to fill this position, we will all look forward to a full, fair, and timely confirmation process. This is a critical role that is particularly important as our country continues to face serious threats at home and abroad.
(thanks @smithinamerica)(thanks @smithinamerica)
3.51pm BST3.51pm BST
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Rubio, who earlier was “surprised” at the Comey firing, does now have questions, he says:Rubio, who earlier was “surprised” at the Comey firing, does now have questions, he says:
Sen Marco Rubio R-FL on Comey firing: "I do have questions about why he was dismissed at this time"Sen Marco Rubio R-FL on Comey firing: "I do have questions about why he was dismissed at this time"
Lisa Murkowski, the Republican senator from Alaska, agrees that the timing looks suspicious and is open to a special prosecutor:Lisa Murkowski, the Republican senator from Alaska, agrees that the timing looks suspicious and is open to a special prosecutor:
Should there be a special prosecutor?Murkowski: "I think it needs to be considered."Does the timing look suspicious?Murkowski: "Sure."Should there be a special prosecutor?Murkowski: "I think it needs to be considered."Does the timing look suspicious?Murkowski: "Sure."
Republican senator James Lankford is “surprised in the timing”:Republican senator James Lankford is “surprised in the timing”:
Sen James Lankford R-OK on Comey: "A little surprised in the timing; trying to find out why this was the moment"Sen James Lankford R-OK on Comey: "A little surprised in the timing; trying to find out why this was the moment"
UpdatedUpdated
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