One of the most shocking elements of the firing of James Comey was learning that, shortly after taking office, Trump dragged the FBI director into the White House for a private dinner—one at which he made it clear to Comey that keeping his job meant swearing allegiance to Trump. It was an element so beyond normal, that it was hard to find a proper adjective. So over the top it was easy to believe that it was an embellishment on a story that already seemed fantastic. So simply odd that it had people digging into historic events. Or … something that Trump thinks is perfectly reasonable.
President Donald Trump on Saturday said he did not think it would be inappropriate to ask a FBI director for “loyalty.”
“I don’t think it’s inappropriate,” Trump told Fox News’ Jeanine Pirro, responding to a report by the New York Times that he asked former FBI Director James Comey in January to pledge loyalty to him.
Trump says that he didn’t actually ask Comey to go down on the knee, kiss the ring, and swear personal fealty, but … he sees nothing wrong with that. And what about that Twitter threat that he may have recorded the meetings, and could release the tapes if needed to embarrass Comey? Trump’s not telling.
Pressed by Pirro on his suggestion that he recorded his conversations with Comey, Trump said: “That I won’t talk about. I can’t talk about that.”
The two most incredible breaks with normality in the whole sordid tale? Both things that Trump is ready to embrace. And Trump wants to let Comey know that he’s still watching.
“All I want is for Comey to be honest, and I hope he will be, and I’m sure he will be,” Trump said. “I hope.”