James Comey To Testify Publicly In Russia Probe: Reports

WASHINGTON, DC — Former FBI Director James Comey will publicly testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee next week in its ongoing investigation into the ties between President Trump's campaign and Russian espionage, according to multiple outlets including CNN and NBC. Comey was previously scheduled to appear but changed his plans after Special Counsel Robert Mueller was appointed to oversee the FBI's separate investigation; reports now suggest that Comey has cleared his testimony with Mueller and is prepared to speak in a public setting.

Trump fired Comey from his position as FBI director, prompting many to accuse the president of acting to obstruct justice in the Russia investigation. Subsequent reports suggested that Trump encouraged Comey to drop the investigation into his former aide Michael Flynn, and Trump publicly said that he fired Comey while thinking about the fact that the Russia investigation was fake. (For more information on this and other political stories, subscribe to the White House Patch for daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

Comey will likely be questioned by senators about his interactions with the president. Since firing Comey, Trump has repeatedly dismissed the legitimacy of the Russia investigation, calling it a "witch hunt" and a "hoax."

Comey's testimony has the potential to be explosive. If he were to say he believed the president has tried to obstruct the investigation, it would cause a massive disruption in Washington politics. Comey may also deny some of the more troubling reports about his contacts with Trump, such as the claim that the president asked for his personal loyalty.

However, Comey may also evade tough questions as he frequently has in the past. He has a close relationship with Mueller, and they may have agreed to, at least for now, withhold certain parts of his testimony. If Mueller believes Comey's unimpeded testimony may undermine the continuing investigation, Comey may remain silent on key issues.

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