President Donald Trump took to Twitter early Wednesday morning to justify his firing of the now-former FBI Director James Comey, saying that his replacement will “do a far better job.”
Trump also took some of his critics to task for his decision, writing, “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!”
He also wrote: “Comey lost the confidence of almost everyone in Washington, Republican and Democrat alike” and took a swipe at the top Democrat in the U.S. Senate, whom he dubbed “Cryin’ Chuck Schumer.”
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
Trump shocked the Washington establishment on Tuesday by removing Comey from his post over the FBI director’s handling of the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s emails.
“Today, President Donald J. Trump informed FBI Director James Comey that he has been terminated and removed from office,” White House press secretary Sean Spicer wrote in a statement.
The statement went on to say that a search for a new FBI director will begin “immediately.”
Trump’s decision was based on the recommendation of both Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, according to Spicer. The sudden firing dominated the news cycle and sent politics pundits into a tizzy.
Trump also mocked Chuck Schumer over his reaction to the Comey firing, calling him “Cryin’ Chuck Schumer” with a “drain the swamp” hashtag.
Cryin' Chuck Schumer stated recently, "I do not have confidence in him (James Comey) any longer." Then acts so indignant. #draintheswamp
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 10, 2017
Comey had been investigating Russia’s meddling in the 2016 election and any potential collusion of Russians with members of the Trump campaign.
The move came as a surprise to members of the bureau. Officials at the F.B.I. told the New York Times they were not immediately aware of Comey’s dismissal.
It should be an interesting White House press briefing on Wednesday afternoon.