The Heat: Trump fires FBI director

The Heat

FILE- In this May 3, 2017, file photo, FBI Director James Comey listens on Capitol Hill in Washington. President Donald Trump has fired Comey. In a statement on Tuesday, May 9, Trump says Comey’s firing “will mark a new beginning” for the FBI. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

In a major announcement U.S. President Donald Trump fired the Director of the FBI James Comey late Tuesday.

The news comes as the FBI is investigating Russia’s alleged interference in the U.S. presidential election.

The White House statement reads:

“Today, President Donald J. Trump informed FBI Director James Comey that he has been terminated and removed from office. President Trump acted based on the clear recommendations of both Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and Attorney General Jeff Sessions. The FBI is one of our Nation’s most cherished and respected institutions and today will mark a new beginning for our crown jewel of law enforcement,” said President Trump. A search for a new permanent FBI Director will begin immediately.”

For the latest information, CGTN’s Sean Callebs reports.

To talk about the breaking news:

  • Leonard Steinhorn, political strategist and teacher of public communication at American University
  • Michael Fletcher, covered economic policy as a correspondent for The Washington Post
  • Tucker Doherty, reporter for Politico
  • Simon Marks, the president and chief correspondent for Feature Story News