FBI Director James Comey finally confirmed today what many have long suspected was going on behind the scenes for the last couple of months, that the FBI is investigating the possible links and coordination that went on between associates of President Donald Trump and Russia. This ties into what Comey said is part of the bureau's larger probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. Naturally, Trump took to Twitter before the meeting to say that the Democrats are making up these allegations.
The Democrats made up and pushed the Russian story as an excuse for running a terrible campaign. Big advantage in Electoral College & lost!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 20, 2017
Comey testifies before House Intelligence Committee
Confirmation of this investigation came as James Comey, along with the head of the NSA Michael S. Rodgers, testified today before the House Intelligence Committee. Comey finally publicly confirmed that the FBI was investigating the matter of Russian involvement in the election, which began in the summer of 2016, in his opening statement to the committee. Comey also noted that the FBI does not usually publicly announce ongoing investigations, but said that he was authorized to do so because of extreme public interest in the matter.
He also acknowledged that he could give the committee no timetable for the Russian investigation, due to its complex nature. This meeting is only one of several congressional panels looking into Russian meddling and possible ties to Donald Trump. Trump campaign adviser Roger Stone, foreign policy adviser Carter Paige, and former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, among others are being investigated for having ties to Russia.
Comey on Trump's wiretapping claim
James Comey also took time to make a statement on President Donald Trump's series of inflammatory tweets on being wiretapped by former President Barack Obama, after being asked by the top Democrat on the committee, Adam Schiff. He stated that the FBI, as well as the Justice Department, had looked into the matter and found no confirmation to support Trump's accusations.
He also disputed claims that British intelligence services, like GCHQ were involved in the wiretapping. Comey is just the latest, along with the head of the House Intelligence Committee, the Justice Department, and Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, to have said that there is no evidence for Trump's claim.
