By — Joshua Barajas Joshua Barajas Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/read-president-trumps-full-letter-comey-firing-fbi Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Read President Trump’s full letter to Comey on his firing from the FBI Politics May 9, 2017 6:57 PM EDT In announcing Tuesday’s unexpected removal of FBI director James Comey, President Donald Trump wrote a letter saying the ousted head of the agency is “not able to effectively lead the Bureau.” Read the president’s full letter below: Dear Director Comey: I have received the attached letters from the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General of the United States recommending your dismissal as the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. I have accepted their recommendation and you are hereby terminated and removed from office, effective immediately. 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 effectively lead the Bureau. It is essential that we find new leadership for the FBI that restores public trust and confidence in its vital law enforcement mission. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors. Donald J. Trump. WATCH: FBI Director James Comey testifies before Senate Judiciary Committee By — Joshua Barajas Joshua Barajas Joshua Barajas is a senior editor for the PBS NewsHour's Communities Initiative. He also the senior editor and manager of newsletters. @Josh_Barrage
In announcing Tuesday’s unexpected removal of FBI director James Comey, President Donald Trump wrote a letter saying the ousted head of the agency is “not able to effectively lead the Bureau.” Read the president’s full letter below: Dear Director Comey: I have received the attached letters from the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General of the United States recommending your dismissal as the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. I have accepted their recommendation and you are hereby terminated and removed from office, effective immediately. 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 effectively lead the Bureau. It is essential that we find new leadership for the FBI that restores public trust and confidence in its vital law enforcement mission. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors. Donald J. Trump. WATCH: FBI Director James Comey testifies before Senate Judiciary Committee