By Steve Neavling
ticklethewire.com
Just a month before Donald Trump was sworn in as president, the billionaire who pledged to “drain the swamp of corruption in Washington D.C.” invited FBI Director James Comey to the White House for a one-on-one dinner.
After some small talk, Trump got down to business. He wanted to know whether Comey would pledge his loyalty to the president, two Comey associates who are familiar with the dinner told the New York Times.
It was an unusual request, not only because the FBI director is supposed to be free of political loyalty, but because Comey and the bureau were investigating whether Trump’s campaign team conspired with Russian operatives to interfere in the presidential election.
Comey explained that he could only pledge loyalty to his job and the country, but he promised to always be honest with the president.
Unsatisfied, Trump repeated that he needed Comey’s loyalty. Again, Comey declined.
Nearly five months later, Trump fired Comey, who had maintained his independence.
