Ever the dictator-in-waiting, Donald Trump called for former secretary of state, Hillary Clinton’s, and former FBI director, James Comey’s heads. The Republicans are still doing the beck and calling of the president. This time, they decided to call in Comey and former attorney general (AG), Loretta Lynch. The former AG leads right back to the Clintons. Yet, the former FBI director is giving as good as he gets, and probably much better.
In a tweet, Comey announced that the House Republican-led House Judiciary committee subpoenaed him. However, he insisted the hearing be open to the public, due to “their selective leaking and distortion:”
‘Happy Thanksgiving. Got a subpoena from House Republicans. I’m still happy to sit in the light and answer all questions. But I will resist a “closed door” thing because I’ve seen enough of their selective leaking and distortion. Let’s have a hearing and invite everyone to see.’
CNN legal analyst, Renato Mariotti, noted that the House Republicans were only in office until January 3, 2019. Comey could just wait them out. He tweeted:
‘Because Republicans waited until after the midterms to subpoena Comey, he can probably just run out the clock with this legal fight.’
Congress reporter for POLITICO, Kyle Cheney, noted that Comey will “fight the subpoena in court,” if the Republicans insist on a closed-door hearing. Cheney tweeted:
‘COMEY’S LAWYER says Comey will fight the subpoena in court: “While the authority for Congressional subpoenas is broad, it does not cover the right to misuse closed hearings as a political stunt to promote political as opposed to legislative agendas.”’
House member Robert Goodlatte (R-A) will retire at the first of the year, but he requested “private depositions” from both Lynch on December 4, 2018 and Comey on December 3. His party has been investigating the FBI’s 2016 campaign actions.
Comey’s attorney, David Kelly said, according to Law & Crime:
‘While the authority for congressional subpoenas is broad, it does not cover the right to misuse closed hearings as a political stunt to promote political as opposed to legislative agendas.’
The incoming Democrat to chair the House Judiciary Committee, Jerry Nadler (D-NY) called the move “unfortunate:”
‘Months ago, Director Comey and Attorney General Lynch both indicated their willingness to answer the Chairman’s questions voluntarily. My understanding is that the Republicans have had no contact with either the director or the attorney general since.’
Lynch has not commented on the subpoenas as of yet.
Featured image is a screenshot via YouTube.
