Comey testimony raises questions over Trump acts amid Russia probe

Washington buzzed with new questions Friday after ousted FBI director James Comey accused President Donald Trump of lies and defamation, in gripping testimony that undermined an already troubled White House. During almost three hours of extraordinarily frank statements before a Senate committee Thursday, Comey described himself as “stunned” by Trump’s “very disturbing” and “very concerning” behaviour in several meetings. Detailing one-on-one talks with a sitting president, which under normal circumstances are private, Comey said he took painstaking notes for fear Trump might “lie” about the unusual encounters. The former lawman also admitted he asked a friend to leak those notes to a reporter, betting – correctly - that the details would prompt the appointment of a special prosecutor. Comey’s testimony painted a devastating picture of an untrustworthy president, who at best unknowingly shred the norms of office by pressing Comey on a probe into Russian election meddling, and at worst may have criminally obstructed justice. Pundits and legal experts were divided on whether Trump’s actions rose to the level of obstruction of justice, a potentially impeachable offence, while Comey said that decision was now in the hands of the special prosecutor. But Trump early Friday claimed “total and complete vindication” after Comey confirmed that the president was not personally under investigation, easing months of speculation. “Despite so many false statements and lies, total and complete vindication... and WOW, Comey is a leaker!” Trump said in a tweet, his first reaction to the bombshell testimony. During one White House dinner, Comey recalled that the president asked him for “loyalty” and to lay off his former national security advisor Michael Flynn, who is under criminal investigation over his Russia ties, imploring Comey to “let this go.” Comey said he believed he was sacked over his handling of the Russia investigation, which includes probing allegations that Trump’s campaign colluded with Moscow to tip the election to the real estate tycoon. In a written statement, Comey described his mounting discomfort in the weeks leading up to his dismissal as Trump pulled him aside in person and phoned to press him on the probe into his campaign associates and possible collusion with Russia.