Trump lashes out at Comey over House testimony: ‘All lies!’

President Trump lashed out at James Comey early Sunday, accusing the former FBI director of lying during his testimony to House lawmakers about the investigation into Russia’s election interference.

“Leakin’ James Comey must have set a record for who lied the most to Congress in one day. His Friday testimony was so untruthful!” the president tweeted.

“This whole deal is a Rigged Fraud headed up by dishonest people who would do anything so that I could not become President. They are now exposed!” he added.

Leakin’ James Comey must have set a record for who lied the most to Congress in one day. His Friday testimony was so untruthful! This whole deal is a Rigged Fraud headed up by dishonest people who would do anything so that I could not become President. They are now exposed!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 9, 2018

{mosads}Trump claimed that Comey’s statements that he opened investigations on four Americans and that he didn’t know former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele were “all lies!”

The president also cited Comey’s repeated assertions that he could not recall or did not know certain facts. The FBI director on multiple occasions stated he was unable to remember certain facts, or could not answer questions because of ongoing investigations. 

On 245 occasions, former FBI Director James Comey told House investigators he didn’t know, didn’t recall, or couldn’t remember things when asked. Opened investigations on 4 Americans (not 2) – didn’t know who signed off and didn’t know Christopher Steele. All lies!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 9, 2018

Comey testified last week before the House Judiciary and Oversight and Government Reform committees behind closed doors. The panels later released a transcript of the roughly six-hour meeting.

The transcript revealed that Comey told lawmakers that the counterintelligence investigation into possible conspiracy between Russia and the Trump campaign began by examining four Americans, whom he did not identify, citing the potential that they are part of an ongoing investigation.

He did note that Trump was not one of the four individuals.

Comey also defended the work of former FBI agent Peter Strzok, another Department of Justice official who has drawn the ire of Trump.

The president has repeatedly lambasted Strzok over text messages he sent prior to working on special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation that were critical of Trump. 

Trump has long targeted Comey over his handling of FBI investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election. The president fired Comey in May 2017, which led to Mueller’s appointment.

Comey has returned the criticism since leaving his government job, calling the president “morally unfit” for office and pushing back against his repeated attacks on the Justice Department.

Trump has in recent weeks ratcheted up his criticism of the Mueller investigation, which he has regularly labeled a “witch hunt.” The investigation has thus far implicated five former Trump associates and more than 20 Russians.