Top House Democrats on Friday demanded President Trump turn over any tapes he has of his conversation with then-FBI Director James B. Comey, saying the president forced the issue by suggesting the possibility of recordings.
Mr. Trump earlier in the day said his ousted director “better hope that there are no ’tapes’ of our conversations.” The White House later refused to say if there were recordings.
The top Democrats on the House Judiciary and Oversight committees said whatever exists needs to be turned over to Congress.
“Under normal circumstances, we would not consider credible any claims that the White House may have taped conversations of meetings with the president. However, because of the many false statements made by White House officials this week, we are compelled to ask whether any such recordings do in fact exist,” said Reps. John Conyers Jr. and Elijah Cummings.
“If so, we request copies of all recordings in possession of the White House regarding this matter,” the two lawmakers said.
They sent their letter to Donald F. McGahn II, the White House’s top lawyer.
The lawmakers also asked for all other emails and memos that detail the president’s decision to fire Mr. Comey on Tuesday.
White House press secretary Sean Spicer would not say whether the president taped his conversation with Mr. Comey, or whether the White House records conversations.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.
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