Axelrod: Comey firing has ‘stench of coverup’

Democratic strategist David Axelrod slammed President Trump on Tuesday for firing FBI Director James Comey, saying the president’s move is a “hammer blow” to the U.S. system of governance.

Sad for the country that any decision DOJ and FBI make now will be shrouded in suspicion. It’s a hammer blow to the integrity of our system.

— David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) May 9, 2017

WH sending out press coverage of Dem criticism of Comey won’t wash away the stench of coverup. This was a disastrous decision.

— David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) May 9, 2017

Axelrod, who served as former President Barack Obama’s senior adviser, added Tuesday’s events seemed like a win for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Exactly. Putin made a small investment that, tonight, has paid off beyond his wildest dreams. His own “worm” in the heart of our democracy. https://t.co/lCXoulMHA6

— David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) May 9, 2017 

This didn’t work out well for Nixon. And it won’t for @realDonaldTrump–or the country.

— David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) May 9, 2017

White House press secretary Sean Spicer announced Tuesday afternoon that Trump had fired Comey. 

{mosads}Spicer added Trump’s decision followed recommendations from Attorney General Jeff Sessions and his deputy, Rod Rosenstein, to fire the FBI director for his handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation.

“While I greatly appreciate you informing me, on three separate occasions, that I am not under investigation, I nevertheless concur with the judgment of the Department of Justice that you are not able to lead the bureau,” Trump wrote in a letter to Comey dated Tuesday.

“It is essential that we find new leadership for the FBI that restores public trust and confidence in its vital law enforcement mission.”

Trump added in a White House statement that the FBI is “one of our Nation’s most cherished and respected institutions.”

“Today will mark a new beginning for our crown jewel of law enforcement,” he added, noting the hunt for a new permanent FBI director would “begin immediately.”

Comey announced in March that the bureau was investigating alleged coordination between Trump’s campaign and Russia during the 2016 presidential election.