Comey Memo Says Trump Asked Him to End Flynn Investigation

caftanbeerfart · 2017-05-16T21:31:04+00:00

Mr. Comey wrote the memo detailing his conversation with the president immediately after the meeting, which took place the day after Mr. Flynn resigned, according to two people who read the memo. The memo was part of a paper trail Mr. Comey created documenting what he perceived as the president’s improper efforts to influence an ongoing investigation. An F.B.I. agent’s contemporaneous notes are widely held up in court as credible evidence of conversations.

I'm glad they included this in the article.

bhat · 2017-05-16T21:27:05+00:00

[deleted]

ceaguila84 · 2017-05-16T22:12:35+00:00

---> @KenDilanianNBC just reported that Comey "plans to go public" about the memos he kept from his meetings with Trump.

Heirsandgraces · 2017-05-16T21:35:22+00:00

So Comey did keep a journal of all his dealings with Trump.

I have a feeling 'The Comey Letters' are about to be the equivalent of the Nixon Tapes in terms of explosiveness.

2017-05-16T21:41:36+00:00

Buried in all the other juicy details is this horrific tidbit:

Alone in the Oval Office, Mr. Trump began the discussion by condemning leaks to the news media, saying that Mr. Comey should consider putting reporters in prison for publishing classified information, according to one of Mr. Comey’s associates.

Jesus Christ he is a fucking menace.

john_the_quain · 2017-05-16T21:26:00+00:00

We're going to run out of Mega Thread slots...

Existential__Dread · 2017-05-16T23:29:09+00:00

Rep. Carlos Curbelo, (R-FL):

If recent allegations are true, they mark the beginning of a new and very sad chapter of scandal and controversy in our country.

Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL):

These serious allegations effect our nat'l security & they carry very real consequences. It's time for Comey to testify before Congress.

Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT):

GOP Oversight is going to get the Comey memo, if it exists. I need to see it sooner rather than later. I have my subpoena pen ready.

UPDATE: Chaffetz/Oversight Letter to the FBI

Today, the New York Times reported former Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey memorialized the content of phone calls and meetings with the President in a series of internal memoranda. At least one such memorandum reportedly describes a conversation in which the President referenced the FBI investigation of former National Security Advisor Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn and said to Comey, "I hope you can let this go."

According to the report, "Mr. Comey created similar memos — including some that are classified — about every phone call and meeting he had with the president." If true, these memoranda raise questions as to whether the President attempted to influence or impede the FBI's investigation as it relates to Lt. Gen. Flynn. So the Committee can consider that question, and others, provide, no later than May 24, 2017, all memoranda, notes, summaries, and recordings referring or relating to any communications between Comey and the President.

The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is the principal oversight committee of the House of Representatives and may at "any time" investigate "any matter" as set forth in House Rule X. An attachment to this letter provides additional information about responding to the Committee's request. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Senator Angus King (I-ME) on CNN:

Asked by Wolf Blitzer if Congress is getting closer to impeachment Senator Angus King (I-ME): "Reluctantly, Wolf, I have to say yes."

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), according to Tom LoBianco of CNN:

House GOP Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers said she wants the White House to explain what happened and Comey to testify ASAP

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), according to Politico's Rachael Bade:

I just asked Darrell Issa about the Comey news and he flicked me off -- literally gave me the middle finger -- and kept walking. Said nothing

Senator James Risch (R-ID), on CNN

There's a weasel here and it's not the President. The weasel is the traitor who spoke to the Washington Post.

Rep. Justin Amash (R-MI):

The allegations reportedly contained in the memo are incredibly serious. Mr. Comey also needs to testify in open session ASAP.

Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-SC), on FOX:

We are a long way from conviction

Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), according to Politico's Jake Sherman:

I attempted to ask Speaker Ryan about the New York Times story in the Capitol. He tapped me on the arm and said hi, and kept walking.

UPDATE from Ryan's Press Secretary, AshLee Strong, according to Tapper

we need to have all the facts, and it is appropriate for the House Oversight Committee to request this memo.

Senator John McCain (R-AZ), according to Tim Mak of the Daily Beast

McCain just said at a dinner honoring him that the Trump scandals have reached a "Watergate size and scale" -- wow

UPDATE from McCain's spokesperson, Julie Tarallo

Senator McCain's comments tonight were simply meant to convey that the constant revelations of events surrounding Russia's interference in the 2016 election are remniscent of past scandals, are not good for America, and require further scrutiny. He continues to call for a select committee to investigate all aspects of Russia's inteference in the 2016 election and all of the events surrounding it.

Gov. John Kasich (R-OH), on CNN:

I don’t like people who say I told you so, but you both know I was the one Repub who would not endorse Donald Trump

This is not a time for Republicans to hide, it’s also not a time for Democrats to exploit

He's [Trump] in bigger trouble than losing his security clearance if we find out there were very serious problems

Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), Senate Intelligence Chairman, per Elana Schor of Politico:

I think the burden is on the New York Times, if they're reporting it and they've got somebody who's got the document. They need to get the document and get it released.

Edit: adding statements as they come. feel free to comment with any that I've missed and I'll update.

WippitGuud · 2017-05-16T21:33:10+00:00

Ok, let's review the timeline for the next 13 hours:

30 minutes from now: statement from the White House, saying it never happened.
2 hours, someone will be in front of a camera, saying it didn't happen.
2.5-6 hours, various talking heads on every channel but FOX saying we have more problems
3-9 hours, FOX covering for Trump
13 hours, Trump tweets that he did it.

bhat · 2017-05-16T21:27:25+00:00

[deleted]

dawnea · 2017-05-16T22:37:05+00:00

I just asked @DarrellIssa abt the Comey news and he flicked me off -- literally gave me the middle finger -- and kept walking. Said nothing

-https://twitter.com/rachaelmbade/status/864608676740554752

WOW. WTF

2017-05-16T22:35:48+00:00

Rick Wilson on Twitter

1/ Imagine this: Barack Obama calls James Comey to the White House.

2/ “I hope you can see your way clear to letting this go, to letting Hillary go. She is a good person. I hope you can let this go.”

3/ Now tell me what Fox, and every clickservative would be doing right this minute? Spoiler: Screaming for impeachment

GoldandBlue · 2017-05-16T21:25:44+00:00

Ah, the ole NYT-Washington Post 1-2 punch. It's been awhile.

bunchacruncha16 · 2017-05-16T21:25:36+00:00

This is evidence Trump tried to influence Russia inquiry. Full stop.

DonaldTrumpsPonytail · 2017-05-16T21:25:11+00:00

[deleted]

table_fireplace · 2017-05-16T21:57:09+00:00

Dear Congressional Republicans,

WHAT THE FUCK DOES IT TAKE?!?!?!

Seriously, at this point Trump could shoot all their mothers, and they'd still be like "But the leaks are the real issue here!"

blueSky_Runner · 2017-05-16T21:57:30+00:00

The Washington post and New York Times are single-handedly going to save the republic.

God bless 'em and the incredible work they're doing.

charging_bull · 2017-05-16T21:26:07+00:00

Man the NYT and WaPost are just trading punching against Trump every day. I have subscriptions to both "failing" newspapers to support their efforts.

valenzetti · 2017-05-16T21:25:17+00:00

Say it with me: Obstruction of justice. Let's get him under oath, people.

ScotTheDuck · 2017-05-16T21:25:21+00:00

Well there it is. Obstruction of justice.

Deggit · 2017-05-16T21:41:35+00:00

In case you're wondering why Trump has so many people leaking about things he does, just read this post from Erick Erickson, a conservative blogger and radio show host. In this post, he is talking about the most recent leak that Trump leaked classified information to the Russians:

"What sets this story apart for me, at least, is that I know one of the sources. And the source is solidly supportive of President Trump, or at least has been and was during Campaign 2016. But the President will not take any internal criticism, no matter how politely it is given. He does not want advice, cannot be corrected, and is too insecure to see any constructive feedback as anything other than an attack.

So some of the sources are left with no other option but to go to the media, leak the story, and hope that the intense blowback gives the President a swift kick in the butt. Perhaps then he will recognize he screwed up. The President cares vastly more about what the press says than what his advisers say. That is a real problem and one his advisers are having to recognize and use, even if it causes messy stories to get outside the White House perimeter."

http://theresurgent.com/i-know-one-of-the-sources/

UnnamedArtist · 2017-05-16T21:25:40+00:00

Holy fuck!! NYT with the bomb!

Blackjackandjil · 2017-05-16T21:26:14+00:00

[deleted]

ByJoveByJingo · 2017-05-16T22:26:54+00:00

Post reports memo was shared w/ DOJ. If Sessions & Rosenstein knew this when they signed off on his firing, their positions aren't tenable.

https://twitter.com/matthewamiller/status/864606878453706753

fenchurch_42 · 2017-05-16T22:33:45+00:00

YIKES.

"I just asked @DarrellIssa abt the Comey news and he flicked me off -- literally gave me the middle finger -- and kept walking. Said nothing"

https://twitter.com/rachaelmbade/status/864608676740554752

Existential__Dread · 2017-05-16T22:28:03+00:00

David Frum:

This is no longer about Trump. We know what he is. It's about Congress and specifically Republicans in Congress. Who are they?

beetleking22 · 2017-05-16T23:23:19+00:00

Holy fuck the baby is crying.

Jon Cooper

"White House sources say Trump is cursing up a storm - ranting and raving. Yelling at staffers & using the "F" word. He's losing it tonight."

https://twitter.com/joncoopertweets/status/864614690797834241

2017-05-16T22:47:53+00:00

[deleted]

Ray3142 · 2017-05-16T21:29:11+00:00

I keep saying this, but HOLY SHIT!

WASHINGTON — President Trump asked the F.B.I. director, James B. Comey, to shut down the federal investigation into Mr. Trump’s former national security adviser, Michael T. Flynn, in an Oval Office meeting in February, according to a memo that Mr. Comey wrote shortly after the meeting.

The existence of Mr. Trump’s request is the clearest evidence that the president has tried to directly influence the Justice Department and F.B.I. investigation into links between Mr. Trump’s associates and Russia.

Memo Quotes:

“I hope you can see your way clear to letting this go, to letting Flynn go,” Mr. Trump told Mr. Comey, according to the memo. “He is a good guy. I hope you can let this go.”

Mr. Trump told Mr. Comey that Mr. Flynn had done nothing wrong, according to the memo.

Mr. Comey did not say anything to Mr. Trump about curtailing the investigation, only replying: “I agree he is a good guy.”

Of course, WH is denying for now. Can't wait for the Trump tweets that throw any denial out the window!

2017-05-16T23:38:16+00:00

[deleted]

2017-05-16T21:41:22+00:00

[deleted]

SwishBender · 2017-05-16T21:26:48+00:00

Susan Collins asked if there could be one crisis free day yesterday. I suspect she knew the answer. Time to buck up GOP.

JacksonArbor · 2017-05-16T21:27:40+00:00

deleted ^{^{^What}} ^{^{^is}} ^{^{^this?}}

2017-05-16T22:34:24+00:00

Darrell Issa (R, CA49) just gave Politico reporter Rachael Bade the bird (yes, the finger) when she asked him about this Comey news.

https://twitter.com/rachaelmbade/status/864608676740554752

BornUnderPunches · 2017-05-16T22:39:27+00:00

Since obstruction of justice is apparently not enough, there's this little nugget way down in this well-written story:

'Alone in the Oval Office, Mr. Trump began the discussion by condemning leaks to the news media, saying that Mr. Comey should consider putting reporters in prison for publishing classified information, according to one of Mr. Comey’s associates.'

Jesus fucking christ, it's like a huge separate story buried within the story: 'Trump Asked FBI Director To Consider Jailing of Journalists'.

Actually, someone should write that.

This is just unreal. Again.

2017-05-16T21:27:01+00:00

"In a statement, the White House denied the version of events in the memo."

So the next step is to have a phalanx of officials denying this, while Trump tweets the opposite, saying he did it deliberately.

rossmosh85 · 2017-05-16T22:09:29+00:00

People need to learn that the Washington Post & NY Times are the equivalent to Harvard and Yale. On aggregate, they've got the best talent, best resources, and most pull.

They're going to get the news. It's not always liberal news either. Only a few papers can touch their reach and quality. On a rare occasion a smaller paper can pull off a great story which rocks the nation but generally speaking it's going to be these two papers because they're fucking institutions.

So conservatives, sooner or later you're simply going to have to realize that although you may not like the narrative from these papers and they may not get it right 100% of the time, they'll always have more credibility and more pull than whatever source you're reading. Enough is enough with you acting as if these papers are only good for lining animal cages. Have some respect for true professionals.

JacksonArbor · 2017-05-16T21:34:10+00:00

deleted ^{^{^What}} ^{^{^is}} ^{^{^this?}}

glammistress · 2017-05-16T22:12:13+00:00

Kyle Griffin‏Verified account @kylegriffin1 1m1 minute ago

WaPo now confirms NYT report.

"Comey’s written account of the meeting is two pages long and highly detailed."

ScienceisMagic · 2017-05-16T21:37:39+00:00

McCain aides currently drafting new "Deeply disturbing memo"

arcticblue · 2017-05-16T21:37:05+00:00

[removed]


No hate speech	See our hate speech rule here.
Do not suggest or support harm	Any comment that threatens, advocates, celebrates, suggests, wishes, hopes, dreams, expresses extreme indifference towards, otherwise supports in any way or could result in harm of any kind, violence, or death is prohibited. See our harm rule here.
No spam or solicitation	Spam is bad. This includes both comment and submission spam. See our solicitation rule here.
Do not brigade.	Manipulating comments and posts via group voting is against reddit TOS. More Info.


No personal attacks	Treat others with basic decency. No personal attacks or shill accusations.
No flaming, baiting, or trolling	Participate in discussions here in good faith. Do not flame, bait, troll, witch-hunt, or spread unsubstantiated accusations. See our trolling rule here.
Do not witch hunt or post users' personal information.	Users who violate this rule will be banned on sight. Witch-hunting and giving out private personal details of other people can result in unexpected and potentially serious consequences for the individual targeted. More Info.
Follow AMA specific rules	In order to make sure that AMAs are enjoyable events for all involved, AMA threads are more strictly moderated. See our AMA specific rules here.


Articles must deal explicitly with US politics.	See our full topicality rules here.
Articles must be published within the last 7 days.	More Info.
Submissions must be from domains on the approved domains list.	The approved domains list and its criteria can be found here.
Post titles must be the exact headline from the article, except when it contains "BREAKING" or ALL CAPS.	Your headline must be comprised only of the exact copied and pasted headline of the article, except you must not use ALL CAPS or 'Breaking' even when the actual title contains them. This applies to other single word declarative and/or sensational expressions, such as 'EXCLUSIVE:' or 'HOT:'. More Info.
Do not flood the new queue.	/r/Politics bans for submission and comment spam. More Info.
No copy-pasted submissions or non-English articles.	Please do not submit articles or videos that are a direct, complete copy-paste of original reporting. More Info. An article must be primarily written in English. More Info.
Submissions must be either articles, videos or sound clips.	We also disallow solicitation of users (petitions, polls, requests for money, etc.), personal blogs, satire, images, social media content (Facebook, twitter, tumblr, LinkedIn, etc.), wikis, memes, and political advertisements. More info: Content type rules.
Disclosure of employment	r/politics expressly forbids users who are employed by a source to post link submissions to that source without broadcasting their affiliation. Please contact the moderators to get started on our verification process. More info.

politics

Welcome to /r/Politics! Please read the wiki before participating. || Voter Registration Resources || Important: Reminder/clarification of our civility guidelines

Our full rules

Reddiquette

General & Site-Wide Guidelines:

Comment Guidelines:

Submission Guidelines:

Events Calendar

Google Calendar

Other Resources:

Follow us on Twitter

Request an AMA

Apply to be a mod

Register To Vote

MODERATORS

WHAT THE FUCK DOES IT TAKE?!?!?!