U.S. President Donald Trump fired FBI Director James Comey on Tuesday, setting off a firestorm of questions across the Twittersphere, the World Wide Web and throughout Wednesday’s daily news briefing at the White House.
The White House released a copy of the letter that was sent to the FBI director, however, openly explaining the reasons for his dismissal.
In addition to the president’s agreement with the Department of Justice that Comey is “not able to effectively lead the Bureau” Trump states “It is essential that we find new leadership for the FBI that restores public trust and confidence in its vital law enforcement mission.”
Despite the reams of reasons listed across the various media outlets allegedly quoting the logic behind the move, the letter states just the bare-bones fact that Trump received letters from the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General, both recommending Comey’s dismissal.
The letter was brief, to the point, and blunt, albeit polite. It was entirely in the style of President Donald Trump.
And so were the numerous tweets that followed, further explaining his actions to the public, rather than rely on a news conference with media that later might or might not accurately report his remarks.
The Democrats have said some of the worst things about James Comey, including the fact that he should be fired, but now they play so sad!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 10, 2017
James Comey will be replaced by someone who will do a far better job, bringing back the spirit and prestige of the FBI.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 10, 2017
Comey lost the confidence of almost everyone in Washington, Republican and Democrat alike. When things calm down, they will be thanking me!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 10, 2017
Dems have been complaining for months & months about Dir. Comey. Now that he has been fired they PRETEND to be aggrieved. Phony hypocrites!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 10, 2017
Trump also quoted a report by Grabien News, which reported that the FBI under Comey was “generally aware of almost every terrorist who successfully struck America over the last eight years.”
Within the report are links to other media reports, including a 2013 report from Bloomberg News noting the FBI was exposed conducting “data mining on innocent Americans”, and the agency retains the material for decades even if no wrongdoing is found.