Trump hits Comey again on Blagojevich though Comey was never on the case

As President Donald Trump on Wednesday defended his move to free ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D), the President also renewed his attacks on fired FBI Director James Comey over the Blagojevich matter, even though Comey was not at the Justice Department or FBI when the Illinois Democrat was convicted of trying to get money for the U.S. Senate seat of Barack Obama in 2008.

"Rod Blagojevich did not sell the Senate seat," the President said, countering the evidence presented at trial by the feds in 2010 and 2011

"Another Comey and gang deal!" the President added in his tweet, mentioning Comey for a second straight day in relation to Blagojevich.

Comey served as Deputy Attorney General in the George W. Bush Administration. He left in 2005, and did not return to the federal government until he was chosen for FBI Director eight years later in 2013.

After Blagojevich was sentenced to 14 years in prison, the Justice Department noted his "effort in 2008 to illegally trade the appointment of a United States Senator in exchange for $1.5 million in campaign contributions or other personal benefits."

It was not immediately clear why the President mentioned Comey for a second straight day, even though he was not involved in the investigation or prosecution of Blagojevich.

"It was a prosecution by the same people - Comey, Fitzpatrick - the same group," the President told reporters on Tuesday, also naming former U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, who did lead the prosecution of Blagojevich.

Mr. Trump has repeatedly denounced Comey since firing him in May of 2017, calling him a 'slimeball,' denouncing his handling of the Russia investigation, and Republicans have said Comey should be jailed.

"Mr. President," Comey tweeted a week ago. "I have never committed a crime, which is an important pre-req for jail in most countries, still including ours."

About the Author