Acting FBI dir. contradicts Trump claims about Comey

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Acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe listens on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, May 11, 2017, while testifying before a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on major threats facing the U.S. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe contradicted the White House claim that fired director James Comey had lost the support of rank-and-file members of the bureau.

The White House used that assertion to justify Comey's firing. But McCabe said during testimony before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and its 'Worldwide Threats' hearing, that the claim is not accurate. He said Comey "enjoyed broad support" within the agency and that he held Comey in the "absolute highest regard."

He said it was the "greatest privilege" of his career to serve under him.

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump tweeted that "Comey lost the confidence of almost everyone in Washington, Republican and Democrat alike. When things calm down, they'll be thanking me!"

During Thursday's hearing, McCabe went on to say that the investigation into the Trump administration and its possible unlawful ties to Russia is "highly significant," again contradicting previous White House statements.

 

With the Associated Press