The Firing of Comey

We are just learning about the firing of FBI James Comey by President Trump based on the recommendations of Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. It is fair to say that Comey had enemies on both sides over his handling of the Hillary Clinton email scandal. I myself have mixed feelings.

Prior to the emergence of the email investigation, I held a high opinion of Comey. It was my understanding that he was popular within the bureau as compared to his predecessor Robert Mueller. Comey was generally considered to be a straight shooter who had stood his ground against political interference in the bureau’s operations.

Then came the email case, which became hotter and hotter as the presidential campaign was in progress. Not even J. Edger Hoover, with his secret files on anybody and everybody in Washington, had to deal with this type of situation. Then his boss, Attorney General Loretta Lynch, allowed herself to be placed in a compromising situation by meeting Bill Clinton an an airport tarmac in Phoenix. By his recent account before Congress, Comey lost confidence in the DOJ to handle the matter. He then decided to hold a press conference in July in which he first laid out a convincing case for prosecution then concluded by stating that no reasonable prosecutor would take such a case to court. By most accounts, this left many of his agents dumbfounded and feeling betrayed. In addition, he stepped into the role of the prosecutor’s office (attorney general). The ultimate decision to prosecute or not to prosecute belongs to the prosecutor-not the investigator. Later, as the election drew near, he announced that the FBI was re-opening the investigation then announced that the matter was settled and the case closed again. Rightfully or wrongfully, it made the agency look foolish.

I don’t think Comey is an evil man. He found himself in a unique situation full of complexities, and he handled it poorly. He overstepped his bounds and usurped the authority of the attorney general. This is the basis for Rosenstein’s finding that Comey should go. I think it is a sound decision. Did the FBI investigation into Trump’s alleged Russian ties have anything to do with it-or the failure to indict Mrs. Clinton? Who knows at this point?

What is now important is that the new director be a strong law enforcement professional with impeccable credentials and who will keep the bureau free of political interference. The FBI desperately needs such a director-one that all agents can believe in.