Carper Statement on Trump’s Firing of FBI Director

WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), a senior member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement on President Trump’s dismissal of James Comey as director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

“I am shocked by President Trump’s firing of FBI Director James Comey, and I am deeply concerned about what it means for the ongoing investigation into Russia’s interference in our last presidential election.  

“President Trump’s decision today raises more questions than it answers. What changed since the president took office for him to lose confidence in Director Comey’s ability to do the job? Why did Attorney General Sessions, who has recused himself from the investigation into Russia’s interference into the presidential election, recommend Director Comey be fired or have any role in that decision?

“Now more than ever, it should be clear we must appoint a special counsel to finish the job in order to ensure that any findings about Russia’s influence in the last election are not clouded by partisan controversy. In addition, as we move forward with a new FBI Director, Democrats and Republicans must come together to ensure that he or she is beyond reproach, eminently qualified and totally independent in thought and deed.” 

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