Donald Trump Jr. appears to confirm key part of Comey's testimony
President Trump denied telling James Comey he "hoped" he would drop the FBI's investigation into Michael Flynn. But his oldest son says he did.
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During an appearance on Fox News Saturday night, Donald Trump Jr. appeared to confirm a key part of fired FBI director James Comey's testimony – that President Trump told him he "hoped" he would drop his investigation of ousted National Security Adviser Michael Flynn.
"You and I both know my father a long time. When he tells you to do something, guess what, there's no ambiguity in it. There's no, 'Hey I'm hoping'. You and I are friends, 'Hey hope this happens but you got to do your job'. That's what he told Comey," Trump Jr. told host and former New York district attorney and judge Jeanie Pirro, a longtime friend of the Trump family.
On Thursday, Comey testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee under oath that the president told him during a meeting, "I hope you can see your way clear to letting this go, to letting Flynn go." Comey also said the president "hoped" the then-FBI director would pledge him his loyalty.
Marc Kasowitz, President Trump's personal lawyer, denied Comey's version of the conversation and said the president "never, in form or substance, directed or suggested that Mr. Comey stop investigating anyone, including suggesting that that Mr. Comey 'let Flynn go.' "
On Friday, the president was asked if he told Comey he hoped the FBI director would let the Flynn investigation go. "I didn't say that," Trump responded.
The reporter then asked, "So he lied about that?"
"Well, I didn't say that. I mean, I will tell you, I didn't say that," Trump replied.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment
Republicans, including Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R., Wis.), have claimed that it's possible Comey misinterpreted the president's words because Trump isn't experienced enough to understand the independence of the FBI.
"The president's new at this. He's new in government, and so, therefore, I think he's learning as he goes," Ryan told reporters following Comey's hearing. "I'm not saying it's an acceptable excuse. It's just my observation."
Trump Jr. also told Pirro that Comey's testimony "vindicated" his father and proved that the former FBI director is "a liar."
"I think he's proven himself to be a dishonest man of bad character," Trump Jr. said.
After the interview aired, Trump Jr. shared it on Twitter, adding, "Good times. Thanks Judge."
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