Donald Trump’s sacking of FBI chief James Comey compared to Richard Nixon in Watergate by Tricky Dicky’s own lawyer
Critics are comparing Comey's discharge to when Nixon sacked special prosecutor Archibald Cox during the investigation which eventually brought down the then-president
PRESIDENT Trump’s firing of FBI chief James Comey was yesterday likened to Richard Nixon’s actions in the Watergate scandal.
Mr Comey, 56, was told his three-year term was terminated — just as his agency investigates if Trump’s team colluded with Russia to help win the election.
The White House said Mr Comey was fired to “restore trust”.
Critics called it a power grab and constitutional crisis.
Trump’s move drew parallels with Nixon’s 1973 sacking of special prosecutor Archibald Cox while he pursued the Watergate investigation.
John Dean, Nixon’s former White House counsel, said yesterday: “It is very Nixonian. They’re obviously trying the get the bureau back under the Department of Justice’s control.
"But I don’t think it’ll affect the Russia investigation. The cream of the crop in counter-intelligence will not take lightly to being messed with.”
The Washington Post demanded impeachment and a Senate trial following the decision.
While Time magazine published an article saying the US President “should resign”.
Meanwhile, protesters gathered outside the White House, the Federal Building in Los Angeles and Trump Tower in New York holding waving placards over the firing of Comey.
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Trump fired Mr Comey by letter after consulting with Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.
He blasted Mr Comey over his handling of the inquiry into Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server when she was Secretary of State.
But the President had previously praised his handling of the probe, saying in October: “I respect the fact Director Comey was able to come back after what he did.”
Yesterday Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said an independent investigation into Russian links was “the only way to go to restore the American people’s faith”.
Democrat Keith Ellison added: “We are witnessing a constitutional crisis unfold before our very eyes.”
Even Richard Burr, of Trump’s own Republicans, said: “I’m troubled by the timing and reasoning. Mr Comey’s dismissal is a loss for the nation.”
Trump sent eight tweets defending his decision, adding: “James Comey will be replaced by someone who will do a far better job.
Trump launched a series of bitter Tweets after sacking FBI chief James Comey
“He lost the confidence of almost everyone in Washington, Republican and Democrat alike.
“When things calm down, they will be thanking me!”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who was in Washington to meet Mr Trump yesterday, was asked about Mr Comey and replied: “Was he fired? You’re kidding.”
Q&A
HOW can the President fire the FBI Director?
The President has held the power to appoint and dismiss the director of the FBI at his or her discretion since 1968. Before 1968, the FBI director was selected by the Attorney General.
WHAT happens now?
James Comey will be replaced as the head of the FBI and as head of the probe into any Russian links.
HAS it happened before?
Bill Clinton fired his FBI chief, William Sessions, in 1993 after serious ethical concerns.
WHO appoints the new FBI Director?
President Trump, effectively meaning he is choosing someone to investigate his own activities. But his selection must be confirmed by the Senate.
WHY does this cause concern?
Democrats fear Mr Trump will install an FBI Director to whitewash the Russian probe. In a tweet last week, Trump called the probe a “taxpayer-funded charade”.
WHAT reason does Trump give for the sacking?
He says it is vital to restore trust in the FBI, after the Clinton email scandal
WHO is favourite to take over?
Long-time Trump associate Rudy Giuliani has ruled himself out. Other names include New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Milwaukee Sheriff David Clarke.