Comey rips GOP For Enabling Trump's FBI Attacks: 'How Will Republicans Explain This to Their Grandchildren?'

Former FBI Director James Comey on Wednesday slammed Republicans for refusing to stand up to Donald Trump, even as the president continues his relentless attack on the bureau’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016, collusion with the Trump campaign and possible obstruction of justice.

Trump recently unveiled his latest effort to discredit special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation, telling reporters Tuesday that “a lot of people” are saying the FBI, under former President Barack Obama, planted “spies” in his campaign.

Comey—whose firing in May 2017 served as a catalyst for Mueller’s probe—took to Twitter Wednesday to pour cold water on the president’s attempts to muddy the facts by using the word “spies.”

“Facts matter,” Comey wrote. “The FBI’s use of Confidential Human Sources (the actual term) is tightly regulated and essential to protecting the country. Attacks on the FBI and lying about its work will do lasting damage to our country.”

“How will Republicans explain this to their grandchildren?” Comey asked.

Thursday, senior Justice Department officials will meet with House GOP leaders, including ardent Trump supporter Devin Nunes (R-CA) about the lawmakers’ request for documents related to a confidential intelligence source. No Democrats have been invited to attend that meeting. 

Critics say the meeting will serve to further politicize the Russia investigation. As New York Times White House correspondent Maggie Haberman explained Wednesday Trump “is assuming that Devin Nunes will send out the information he wants.”