Fired. But Not Finished
Bloomberg Businessweek|May 15 - May 21, 2017

The FBI director is gone, but the investigation into Trump’s Russia ties may intensify

“Not since Watergate have our legal systems been so threatened”

Steven T. Dennis, Margaret Talev, and Chris Strohm
Fired. But Not Finished

Within hours of abruptly firing FBI Director James Comey on Tuesday, May 9, President Trump faced a blowback of criticism from Democrats and even some Republicans over his decision to remove the man in charge of investigating his campaign’s possible ties to Russia. As news of Comey’s dismissal rippled across Washington, questions mounted over the impact it will have on congressional and FBI probes into Russia’s role in the 2016 election, with Democrats increasing their calls for a special prosecutor to be named. It also sets the stage for a bruising battle to get Comey’s successor through Senate confirmation.

Trump took to Twitter to defend the move. “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!” Trump tweeted Wednesday morning. “James Comey will be replaced by someone who will do a far better job, bringing back the spirit and prestige of the FBI.”

The move struck a nerve in Washington—the head of the FBI isn’t just another presidential appointee. The bureau is supposed to be shielded from politics, its director serving a 10-year term and expected to have independence wherever investigations lead—including the Oval Office. In the aftermath, Democrats began making comparisons to Richard Nixon’s 1973 firing of the special prosecutor investigating the Watergate scandal. “Not since Watergate have our legal systems been so threatened and our faith in the independence and integrity of those systems so shaken,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, a Democrat, in a statement. Trump “has catastrophically compromised the FBI’s ongoing investigation of his own White House’s ties to Russia.”

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BLOOMBERG BUSINESSWEEKView all
Instagram's Founders Say It's Time for a New Social App
Bloomberg Businessweek US

Instagram's Founders Say It's Time for a New Social App

The rise of AI and the fall of Twitter could create opportunities for upstarts

time-read
4 mins  |
March 13, 2023
Running in Circles
Bloomberg Businessweek US

Running in Circles

A subscription running shoe program aims to fight footwear waste

time-read
3 mins  |
March 20 - 27, 2023
What I Learned Working at a Hawaiien Mega-Resort
Bloomberg Businessweek US

What I Learned Working at a Hawaiien Mega-Resort

Nine wild secrets from the staff at Turtle Bay, who have to manage everyone from haughty honeymooners to go-go-dancing golfers.

time-read
10 mins  |
March 20 - 27, 2023
How Noma Will Blossom In Kyoto
Bloomberg Businessweek US

How Noma Will Blossom In Kyoto

The best restaurant in the world just began its second pop-up in Japan. Here's what's cooking

time-read
3 mins  |
March 20 - 27, 2023
The Last-Mover Problem
Bloomberg Businessweek US

The Last-Mover Problem

A startup called Sennder is trying to bring an extremely tech-resistant industry into the age of apps

time-read
10+ mins  |
March 20 - 27, 2023
Tick Tock, TikTok
Bloomberg Businessweek US

Tick Tock, TikTok

The US thinks the Chinese-owned social media app is a major national security risk. TikTok is running out of ways to avoid a ban

time-read
10+ mins  |
March 20 - 27, 2023
Cleaner Clothing Dye, Made From Bacteria
Bloomberg Businessweek US

Cleaner Clothing Dye, Made From Bacteria

A UK company produces colors with less water than conventional methods and no toxic chemicals

time-read
3 mins  |
March 20 - 27, 2023
Pumping Heat in Hamburg
Bloomberg Businessweek US

Pumping Heat in Hamburg

The German port city plans to store hot water underground and bring it up to heat homes in the winter

time-read
3 mins  |
March 20 - 27, 2023
Sustainability: Calamari's Climate Edge
Bloomberg Businessweek US

Sustainability: Calamari's Climate Edge

Squid's ability to flourish in warmer waters makes it fitting for a diet for the changing environment

time-read
4 mins  |
March 20 - 27, 2023
New Money, New Problems
Bloomberg Businessweek US

New Money, New Problems

In Naples, an influx of wealthy is displacing out-of-towners lower-income workers

time-read
4 mins  |
March 20 - 27, 2023