6/8/2017
Former FBI Director James Comey testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee today, reiterating many of the things stated in his prepared statement. Following Mr. Comey’s testimony, President Trump stated that he feels “complete vindication” from accusations that have made against him.
Despite so many false statements and lies, total and complete vindication…and WOW, Comey is a leaker!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 9, 2017
The day after Comey’s testimony, Trump held a press conference in the White House Rose garden on a different topic, but could not resist addressing the testimony. Trump stated “Yesterday showed no collusion, no obstruction.” Trump later said he would testify under oath to deny Comey’s claims about their conversation, and added that Comey’s testimony was an “excuse by Democrats” who lost an election “they shouldn’t have lost.”
While the President and his supporters may feel vindicated, others wern’t so sure. Former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara on Sunday said he thinks there is evidence to start an obstruction of justice case against President Trump. “That’s an incredibly serious thing if people think that the president of the United States can tell heads of law enforcement agencies, based on his own whim or his own personal preferences or friendships, that they should or should not pursue particular criminal cases against individuals,” he said. “That’s not how America works.” The investigation into obstruction will continue through the special prosecutor.
While the president may feel vindicated, there are probably some things that should still concern him. Comey’s testimony did not shed light on many of the reasons the president and the White House have been under scrutiny.
What the president could feel good about:
- Confirmation that he, personally, was not under FBI investigation at the time of his asking.
- That Comey admitted to leaking aspects of their private conversations.
What the president shouldn’t feel good about:
- That there was no confirmation or indication that his campaign staff, or current members of his administration were not under investigation for collusion.
- That son-in-law and senior White House staff member Jared Kushner has recently been noted as a person of interest in regards to meetings with Russian operatives.
- While James Comey deferred his opinion of whether Trump obstructed justice in his request regarding Michael Flynn, Comey doesn’t decide if charges should be brought, and that investigation is still pending.
- That the Former FBI Director had no doubt that the Russian government, at the highest levels, interfered with the 2016 election.
- That for the first time in US history, a former FBI Director called a sitting president a liar, and in Comey’s case, did it five times.
- That for the first time in US history, an acting FBI Director had to alter his protocol in conversations with the president because he thought the president may lie about the conversations.
- That no Senators refuted Comey’s statements, or offered evidence to contradict his statements.
The entire testimony can be seen via this link. Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/Ngv0OOH3zuQ
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