The letter says that "while I appreciate you informing me, on three separate times, that I am not under investigation," Trump was terminating Comey anyway.
In his letter announcing Comey's dismissal, Trump made a point of advertising these conversations with Comey, noting, "I greatly appreciate you informing me, on three separate occasions, that I am not under investigation".
"While I greatly appreciate you informing me, on three separate occasions, that I am not under investigation, I nevertheless concur with the judgment of the Department of Justice that you are not able to effectively lead the bureau," Mr. Trump wrote.
In a brief letter to Comey, which the White House also released, he said, "While I greatly appreciate you informing me, on three separate occasions, that I am not under investigation, I nevertheless concur with the judgment of the Department of Justice that you are not able to effectively lead the Bureau.
Yet even in his letter to Mr. Comey, the president mentioned the Russia inquiry, writing that "I greatly appreciate you informing me, on three separate occasions, that I am not under investigation". And that reflected, White House aides said, what they conceded had been his obsession over the investigation Mr. Trump believes is threatening his larger agenda.
In his Tuesday letter dismissing Comey, Trump wrote: "I greatly appreciate you informing me, on three separate occasions, that I am not under investigation". People familiar with the matter said that statement is not accurate, although they would not say how it was inaccurate.
