During a Fox and Friends interview this morning, President Donald Trump bragged that his “strategy” of claiming that he surreptitiously recorded a meeting with former FBI Director James Comey successfully compelled Comey to tell the truth during Senate Intelligence Committee hearing where Comey, among other things, repeatedly called Trump a liar. Comey also detailed a pattern of actions by the President that appear to be obstruction of justice.
Beaming with self-satisfaction, Trump explained that claiming he had tapes of their conversation ensured that Comey “has to tell what actually took place at those events” — seemingly confirming that the contents Comey’s testimony, including that Trump asked Comey for a loyalty pledge then tried to obstruct an FBI investigation, is true.
“In bragging that he successfully bullied Comey into telling the truth, the President of the United States just confirmed Comey’s testimony,” said American Bridge Vice President Shripal Shah. “Trump just copped to the obstruction of justice and the cover-up.”
Trump: I Said There Were Tapes “Because Then [Comey] Has To Tell What Actually Took Place At Those Events.” TRUMP: I didn’t tape and I don’t have any tape and I didn’t tape. But when he found out that I, you know, that there might be tapes out there, whether it’s governmental tapes or anything else, and who knows, I think his story may have changed. I mean, you’ll have to take a look at that. Because then he has to tell what actually took place at the events. And my story didn’t change. My story was always a straight story. My story was always the truth. But you’ll have to determine for yourself whether or not his story changed. But, I did not tape.” EARHARDT: It was a smart way to make him stay honest in those hearings… TRUMP: Well, uh, it wasn’t, uh, it wasn’t very stupid. I can tell you that. [Fox News: Fox & Friends, 6/23/17]
Published: Jun 23, 2017