Trump fires F.B.I. Director James Comey

James B. Comey last week during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in Washington. Credit Gabriella Demczuk for The New York Times

The Greek Courier

F.B.I. Director James B. Comey has been dismissed by President Trump, on the recommendation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, White House spokesman Sean Spicer said on Tuesday. In a letter dated Tuesday to Mr. Comey Mr. Trump said : “While I greatly appreciate you informing me, on three separate occasions, that I am not under investigation, I nevertheless concur with the judgment of the Department of Justice that you are not able to effectively lead the bureau. It is essential that we find new leadership for the F.B.I. that restores public trust and confidence in its vital law enforcement mission.”

According to the NYT, officials at the F.B.I. said they were not immediately aware of Mr. Comey’s dismissal. However, " in a separate letter released at the White House, Mr. Spicer said that the president informed the director that he has been “terminated and removed from office. “The F.B.I. is one of our nation’s most cherished and respected institutions and today will mark a new beginning for our crown jewel of law enforcement,” Mr. Trump said in the statement.