Former FBI Director James Comey Friday welcomed President Trump’s calls for an investigation into the Russia probe he started but said inquiries should be conducted to protect election interference in 2020.
“Investigate whatever you wish about 2016 but don’t forget the people of the FBI must investigate and stop Russian efforts in the 2020 election. What impact will loose talk about ’spying’ and disgraceful talk about ’treason’ have on FBI agents and analysts?” he tweeted.
Mr. Comey’s comments come after Mr. Trump announced Thursday he granted Attorney General William Barr the authority to review classified information and directed the intelligence community to “quickly and fully cooperate” with an investigation into the beginnings of the Russia investigation and whether the president’s 2016 campaign was illegally spied on.
Mr. Trump said this week his campaign was “conclusively spied on” and it amounted to “treason.”
Mr. Barr said in April during a Senate hearing that the Obama-led FBI did spy on Mr. Trump’s campaign.
“I think spying did occur. The question is whether it was adequately predicated,” he said, adding “I believe there is a basis for my concern.”
FBI Director Christopher Wray said earlier this month spying is not the term I would use he is “working to help” Mr. Barr review how the Russia investigation began.
• Bailey Vogt can be reached at bvogt@washingtontimes.com.
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