# Comey Memo: Trump Told Him - Shut Down Flynn Probe **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [May 16, 2017, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-memo-trump-told-him-shut-down-flynn-probe/786792 "2017-05-16T21:40:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 26
**Author:** ![Fiveyearlurker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/da6949/32.png) [@Fiveyearlurker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiveyearlurker)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2017, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-memo-trump-told-him-shut-down-flynn-probe/786792/501 "2017-06-08T18:37:11Z")
Trump’s [lawyer](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2017/live-updates/trump-white-house/james-comey-testimony-what-we-learn/trump-lawyer-president-never-told-comey-i-need-loyalty-i-expect-loyalty/?utm_term=.3ffc9a2bd074) is calling Comey a liar. Comey testified under oath about the loyalty pledge, and I would encourage Trump to testify under oath as well. ---
**Author:** ![you\_with\_the\_face](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/ecccb3/32.png) [@you\_with\_the\_face](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/you_with_the_face)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2017, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-memo-trump-told-him-shut-down-flynn-probe/786792/502 "2017-06-08T18:38:45Z")
> [@treis](#): > > Why not? Because most people don’t want to jeopardize their jobs by coming across as insubordinate or insolent to their boss. Power dynamics, you know. ---
**Author:** ![CatandMouse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c89c15/32.png) [@CatandMouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CatandMouse)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2017, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-memo-trump-told-him-shut-down-flynn-probe/786792/503 "2017-06-08T18:40:47Z")
> [@Okrahoma](#): > > LOL. A fired disgruntled employee rants about his former employer. He wasn’t a fired disgruntled employee when he wrote those memos. ---
**Author:** ![Fotheringay-Phipps](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/d9b06d/32.png) [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2017, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-memo-trump-told-him-shut-down-flynn-probe/786792/504 "2017-06-08T18:41:03Z")
> [@Fiveyearlurker](#): > > Trump’s [lawyer](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2017/live-updates/trump-white-house/james-comey-testimony-what-we-learn/trump-lawyer-president-never-told-comey-i-need-loyalty-i-expect-loyalty/?utm_term=.3ffc9a2bd074) is calling Comey a liar. Comey testified under oath about the loyalty pledge, and I would encourage Trump to testify under oath as well. Trump’s lawyer didn’t deny the loyalty pledge - he just put a different spin on it. He said Trump just wanted assurances that Comey wasn’t one of the Deep State leakers actively looking to undermine his presidency. In that context, it’s a completely valid type of “loyalty”, I would think. I think it’s unlikely to be true. I heard a quote from Paul Ryan saying that Trump, with his experience as a private businessman and inexperience in government, probably didn’t appreciate the notion of the DOJ and FBI needing independence from the POTUS, and I think this is most likely correct. But ISTM that Trump has plausible deniability here. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2017, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-memo-trump-told-him-shut-down-flynn-probe/786792/505 "2017-06-08T18:44:27Z")
Alan Dershowitz’s reaction. > **[Dershowitz: Comey confirms that I'm right - and all the Democratic...](https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/dershowitz-comey-confirms-that-im-right-and-all-the-democratic-commentators-are-wrong)** > > In his testimony former FBI director James Comey echoed a view that I alone have been expressing for several weeks, and that has been attacked by nearly every Democratic pundit. Imho this is a political battle for the Republicans. He hasn’t broken any laws yet. I am concerned Trump may eventually cross that line. > [@](#): > > Comey confirmed that under our Constitution, the president has the authority to direct the FBI to stop investigating any individual. I paraphrase, because the transcript is not yet available:  the president can, in theory, decide who to investigate, who to stop investigating, who to prosecute and who not to prosecute.  The president is the head of the unified executive branch of government, and the Justice Department and the FBI work under him and he may order them to do what he wishes. > > As a matter of law, Comey is 100 percent correct.  As I have long argued, and as Comey confirmed in his written statement, our history shows that many presidents—from Adams to Jefferson, to Lincoln, to Roosevelt, to Kennedy, to Bush 1, and to Obama – have directed the Justice Department with regard to ongoing investigations. ---
**Author:** ![BlankSlate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blankslate/32/80_2.png) [@BlankSlate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlankSlate)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2017, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-memo-trump-told-him-shut-down-flynn-probe/786792/506 "2017-06-08T18:47:41Z")
No real bombshells. More confirmation that Trump is lying piece of shit, but anyone with a brain already knew that. Funniest part of all this? [Speaker Ryan](http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/paul-ryan-says-trump-unfamiliar-protocol-new/) coming out to say that Trump is too ignorant and ill-informed to know how to president properly. If he breaks some laws along the way, hey, he’s just a dopey old fart. ---
**Author:** ![Fotheringay-Phipps](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/d9b06d/32.png) [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2017, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-memo-trump-told-him-shut-down-flynn-probe/786792/507 "2017-06-08T18:57:48Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Alan Dershowitz’s reaction. > [Dershowitz: Comey confirms that I'm right - and all the Democratic commentators are wrong | Fox News](http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2017/06/08/dershowitz-comey-confirms-that-im-right-and-all-democratic-commentators-are-wrong.html) > > Imho this is a political battle for the Republicans. He hasn’t broken any laws yet. I am concerned Trump may eventually cross that line. I look at it from the opposite perspective. I would like to see Trump impeached as soon as possible. But it looks like it will just drag on forever with all these inane antics and outrageous behavior from Trump but no clear-cut crimes that he can be impeached over. ---
**Author:** ![treis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bc79bd/32.png) [@treis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/treis)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2017, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-memo-trump-told-him-shut-down-flynn-probe/786792/508 "2017-06-08T18:59:31Z")
> [@you\_with\_the\_face](#): > > Because most people don’t want to jeopardize their jobs by coming across as insubordinate or insolent to their boss. > > Power dynamics, you know. Most people don’t lead the FBI. Comey has done some remarkable and extraordinary things to protect the independence of the FBI. By comparison, standing up and walking out of the room is nothing. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2017, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-memo-trump-told-him-shut-down-flynn-probe/786792/509 "2017-06-08T19:00:13Z")
> [@Fotheringay-Phipps](#): > > I look at it from the opposite perspective. I would like to see Trump impeached as soon as possible. But it looks like it will just drag on forever with all these inane antics and outrageous behavior from Trump but no clear-cut crimes that he can be impeached over. I would also like Trump to be impeached ASAP, but I take some slight comfort in that I think the best outcome politically for the Democrats is for Trump to remain President. ---
**Author:** ![you\_with\_the\_face](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/ecccb3/32.png) [@you\_with\_the\_face](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/you_with_the_face)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2017, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-memo-trump-told-him-shut-down-flynn-probe/786792/510 "2017-06-08T19:01:15Z")
> [@treis](#): > > If it were one time, I could see your point. But these meetings we an ongoing thing and Comey did nothing to stop them. So what are you suggesting here? That Trump acted appropriately in these meetings and Comey knew this, as evident by him continuing talks with him? That Trump acted _in_appropriately in these meetings and Comey knew this, but rather than telling him to stop, Comey made effort to take notes that could be later used against him? If you’re suggesting the latter happened, this is a poor defense for Trump. Comey had no obligation to police the President’s behavior. It is Trump’s responsibility to know how to conduct himself and/or consult with advisors. The Republicans are trying awfully hard to push the “Why didn’t you scream and fight back when Trump jumped on top of you and ripped off your clothes tell Trump that he was being inappropriate when he pressured you in these meetings?” line of attack. But all this argument does it affirm that Trump can’t be trusted. What the hell kind of defense is that? In what world is an underling at fault for not telling the CEO to stop acting unethically? ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2017, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-memo-trump-told-him-shut-down-flynn-probe/786792/511 "2017-06-08T19:02:30Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Trump can fire the FBI Director for any reason. That person serves at the pleasure of the President. Comey mentioned that several times. > > Maybe those executive powers should be changed to make that position totally independent. > > Right now, our President acted legally. No, I don’t think the president can obstruct an investigation into criminal wrongdoing by his own friends and campaign workers. Particularly by firing the person who is leading the investigation. This is even more true if the investigation is about a foreign hostile power interfering with the election process. But I guess “it was not technically illegal if you look at it this special way” is pretty much all the Republicans have left now. ---
**Author:** ![Buck\_Godot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buck_godot/32/6573_2.png) [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2017, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-memo-trump-told-him-shut-down-flynn-probe/786792/512 "2017-06-08T19:03:41Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Donald Trump Jr live tweeted during the testimony. Idle speculation by me without a shred of evidence: Maybe Trump and his handlers came up with a compromise by which Trump would tweet from Trump Jr’s account. That way Trump could appear to be presidential aloof regarding the testimony but would still have an outlet to let off steam. Trump Jr’s tweets seem to be very similar in tone and style to that of his father. Did Trump Jr tweet a lot before today? ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2017, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-memo-trump-told-him-shut-down-flynn-probe/786792/513 "2017-06-08T19:06:06Z")
> [@treis](#): > > I didn’t say that. Well, that was my take-away from your post. Why don’t you explain what you meant? ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2017, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-memo-trump-told-him-shut-down-flynn-probe/786792/514 "2017-06-08T19:07:24Z")
> [@treis](#): > > If it were one time, I could see your point. But these meetings we an ongoing thing and Comey did nothing to stop them. False and false. ---
**Author:** ![you\_with\_the\_face](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/ecccb3/32.png) [@you\_with\_the\_face](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/you_with_the_face)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2017, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-memo-trump-told-him-shut-down-flynn-probe/786792/515 "2017-06-08T19:09:08Z")
> [@treis](#): > > Most people don’t lead the FBI. Comey has done some remarkable and extraordinary things to protect the independence of the FBI. By comparison, standing up and walking out of the room is nothing. And yet here we are, talking about how Trump fired Comey for not falling in line with whatever he wanted him to do. Funny that. ---
**Author:** ![amarinth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3be4f8/32.png) [@amarinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarinth)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2017, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-memo-trump-told-him-shut-down-flynn-probe/786792/516 "2017-06-08T19:10:02Z")
> [@Fotheringay-Phipps](#): > > Trump’s lawyer didn’t deny the loyalty pledge - he just put a different spin on it. He said Trump just wanted assurances that Comey wasn’t one of the Deep State leakers actively looking to undermine his presidency. In that context, it’s a completely valid type of “loyalty”, I would think. Well, the President does need to make sure he’s not a member of the Illuminati or the Trilateral commission. That’s just smart thinkin’ there. And of course, if asked, those people do need to reveal their true loyalties. It’s like asking someone “are you a cop? you have to tell me.” before you buy drugs from them. > [@](#): > > I think it’s unlikely to be true. I heard a quote from Paul Ryan saying that Trump, with his experience as a private businessman and inexperience in government, probably didn’t appreciate the notion of the DOJ and FBI needing independence from the POTUS, and I think this is most likely correct. But ISTM that Trump has plausible deniability here. It’s ridiculous to me that the president doesn’t understand that government employees’ loyalty is to the Constitution and country, not to him. ---
**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2017, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-memo-trump-told-him-shut-down-flynn-probe/786792/517 "2017-06-08T19:13:51Z")
> [@Buck\_Godot](#): > > Idle speculation by me without a shred of evidence: > > Maybe Trump and his handlers came up with a compromise by which Trump would tweet from Trump Jr’s account. That way Trump could appear to be presidential aloof regarding the testimony but would still have an outlet to let off steam. Trump Jr’s tweets seem to be very similar in tone and style to that of his father. Did Trump Jr tweet a lot before today? In Doper terms, “temporarily banned” –\> “sock puppet” Grounds for a permanent ban! ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2017, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-memo-trump-told-him-shut-down-flynn-probe/786792/518 "2017-06-08T19:14:29Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > You’re missing the point that it’s not unusual for the Justice Dept to bend to political pressure. They still get the job done in spite of the pressure from Congress or the President. What are you talking about? Comey didn’t call the Clinton investigation a “matter” and not an “investigation.” [Cite.](https://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/statement-by-fbi-director-james-b-comey-on-the-investigation-of-secretary-hillary-clinton2019s-use-of-a-personal-e-mail-system) This is an example of the FBI NOT bending to pressure from a political appointee. I can hardly believe how backwards you have this. ---
**Author:** ![Fotheringay-Phipps](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/d9b06d/32.png) [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2017, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-memo-trump-told-him-shut-down-flynn-probe/786792/519 "2017-06-08T19:19:45Z")
FWIW (not much, IMHO) bookies lowered the odds of impeachment in light of the testimony. [http://fortune.com/2017/06/08/ladbrokers-donald-trump-impeachment-james-comey/](http://fortune.com/2017/06/08/ladbrokers-donald-trump-impeachment-james-comey/) ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2017, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-memo-trump-told-him-shut-down-flynn-probe/786792/520 "2017-06-08T19:25:06Z")
> [@Fotheringay-Phipps](#): > > I look at it from the opposite perspective. I would like to see Trump impeached as soon as possible. But it looks like it will just drag on forever with all these inane antics and outrageous behavior from Trump but no clear-cut crimes that he can be impeached over. Keeping Trump angry and distracted has been the Left’s strategy since the election. Trump’s achilles heel is his thin skin and volatile temper. The left will continue to play him like violin until after the 2018 election. He’ll be impeached if they win back the house. The trial will be in the Senate. It’s really pretty sad that no one gives a crap about getting any real legislation passed. It’s only a matter of time before Pence takes over. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-memo-trump-told-him-shut-down-flynn-probe/786792.md?page=25) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-memo-trump-told-him-shut-down-flynn-probe/786792.md?page=27)