Donald Trump is set to leave the White House in two weeks to make way for Joe Biden, who will be taking over as the new president of the country. As Trump faces legal battles when he returns to being a private citizen, former FBI director James Comey explains why the soon-to-be-former president should not be prosecuted.
Comey made the argument in his new book titled, “Saving Justice: Truth, Transparency, and Trust,” where he said that Biden’s attorney general should not pursue a criminal investigation into Trump. The former FBI director, who was dismissed in 2017, explained that the main priority should be restoring the American public’s trust in the justice system. Comey explained that no investigation should be launched into Trump despite the overwhelming evidence from ongoing lawsuits and old probes such as Robert Mueller’s investigation. The argument may come as a surprise given that Comey has been very vocal about his criticism of Trump. Comey’s dismissal was also what prompted Mueller to be appointed to look into possible Russian interference in 2016.
This would be the second book that Comey has penned and will be launching on January 12. His first book titled, “Higher Loyalty,” was published in 2018 and was even adapted to a two-part film shown on HBO titled “The Comey Rule.” Jeff Daniels portrayed Comey while Brendan Gleeson portrayed Trump.
Biden has yet to formally announce who he has picked to lead the Justice Department under his administration. However, several names have already been floated around, such as Merrick Garland, Sally Yates, and outgoing senator Doug Jones.
The sudden unrest that occurred and may still be occurring at the Capitol today has led world leaders to speak out, condemning the violence and urging Trump to undergo the peaceful transition of power. Groups of Trump supporters broke through the Capitol, leading the lawmakers to temporarily postpone their joint session where they will formally acknowledge Biden’s victory.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, as well as foreign secretary Dominic Raab, chancellor Rishi Sunak, shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy, Brexit party leader Nigel Farage, justice secretary Robert Buckland, Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon, and the Liberal Democratic foreign affairs spokesman Layla Moran among others, condemned the chaos and described the riots as an “attack on democracy.” Farage, an ally of Trump’s, did not mention the president but instead tweeted that the rioters must leave.