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EXCLUSIVE President Trump expressed strong sentiments regarding the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, stating in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital that Comey has “placed a cloud over the entire nation” due to the bureau’s controversial investigation known as the Crossfire Hurricane probe.
On Thursday evening, a grand jury indicted Comey on two counts related to alleged false statements made within the jurisdiction of the legislative branch, as well as obstruction of a congressional proceeding.
COMEY FACES INDICTMENT FOR ALLEGED FALSE STATEMENTS AND OBSTRUCTION
In his interview, Trump criticized the actions taken during the Trump-Russia investigation, saying, “What they did was so terrible and so corrupt. We had a great administration, though.”
The origins of the investigation can be traced back to July 31, 2016, when former Deputy Assistant Director of Counterintelligence Peter Strzok formally opened the Trump-Russia inquiry under the label Crossfire Hurricane.
Following the probe’s initiation, Trump dismissed Comey in May 2017. Just days after his dismissal, Special Counsel Robert Mueller was appointed to assume control of the investigation.
“He is a very corrupt person. He was absolutely a terrible man for what this country stood for,” Trump stated during the interview.
Trump remarked that Comey’s actions created significant turmoil, saying, “Comey placed a cloud over the entire nation, and actually, the Russia, Russia, Russia hoax made it very difficult. It could have caused wars.”
In July, Fox News Digital reported that Comey was under criminal investigation by the FBI.
Adding to the scrutiny, it was also reported that former CIA Director John Brennan is currently under investigation in connection with the Trump-Russia probe.
When asked if Brennan should also face charges, Trump replied, “We’ll have to see what happens.”
“It is up to the Justice Department, but I can tell you, it is a group of people that was very disappointing,” Trump stated, adding, “This makes Watergate look like peanuts.”
EXCLUSIVE: FBI INITIATES CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS OF JOHN BRENNAN AND JAMES COMEY
Trump remarked further on the actions taken against him, asserting, “They tried to destroy our country.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia is managing Comey’s case. The indictment alleges he obstructed a congressional investigation concerning the disclosure of sensitive information in violation of 18 USC 1505.
Additionally, the indictment claims Comey made a false statement indicating he had not authorized any person at the FBI to act as an anonymous source, a claim that the indictment asserts was untrue.
Comey’s arraignment is scheduled for 10 a.m. on October 9, in Alexandria Courtroom 600, where he will appear before District Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff.
Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the seriousness of the situation on social media, stating, “No one is above the law. Today’s indictment reflects this Department of Justice’s commitment to holding those who abuse positions of power accountable for misleading the American people. We will follow the facts in this case.”
FBI Director Kash Patel also took to social media to express his sentiments, stating, “Today, your FBI took another step in its promise of full accountability.”
He highlighted that past corrupt leadership and their enablers politicized federal law enforcement, which severely damaged public trust. Patel affirmed that under his leadership, efforts will continue to restore that trust and hold those in power accountable.
Meanwhile, a nearly two-year investigation led by former Special Counsel Robert Mueller concluded in March 2019 without finding any evidence of criminal conspiracy or coordination between the Trump campaign and Russian officials during the 2016 presidential election.
Following this, John Durham was appointed as special counsel to delve into the origins of the Crossfire Hurricane investigation.
Durham’s findings indicated that the FBI “failed to act” on what was perceived as a “clear warning sign” that the bureau was allegedly the target of a political manipulation effort orchestrated by the Clinton campaign ahead of the 2016 election.
According to Durham’s report, the investigation’s decision-making failed to adequately consider crucial intelligence from the Clinton campaign that could have altered its trajectory.
“The cited facts showcase a troubling failure to integrate critical intelligence regarding the manipulative efforts surrounding the investigation,” Durham’s report stated.
Furthermore, he noted that the FBI’s inaction on these signs presented a decisive failure to engage critically with the narrative of Crossfire Hurricane.
In a statement shared via Instagram on Thursday, Comey acknowledged the long-standing knowledge of him and his family regarding the potential repercussions of standing up to former President Trump.
“We couldn’t imagine ourselves living any other way. We will not live on our knees, and you shouldn’t either,” he declared.
Fox News’ David Spunt contributed to this report.
