CAMPAIGN/FBI/ROBERT MUELLER/RUSSIA/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT: “President Trump escalated his criticism of the F.B.I. on Friday [12-15-17] over its investigation of possible links between Russia and his campaign, calling the inquiry a ‘very sad thing to watch.’
‘It’s a shame what’s happened with the F.B.I.,’ the president told reporters before departing for an event at the F.B.I. Academy in Quantico, Va. ‘It’s a very sad thing to watch.’
Without citing specifics, Mr. Trump said there was an extraordinary ‘level of anger’ at the F.B.I. over the investigation. He labeled ‘disgraceful’ recently released text messages between one of the agents on the investigation and a lawyer for the bureau who were critical of him. The special counsel, Robert S. Mueller III, removed the agent from the investigation as soon as he learned of the texts.
The president also said it was premature to discuss whether he would pardon Michael T. Flynn, his former national security adviser who pleaded guilty this month to lying to the F.B.I. in connection with the investigation.
Mr. Trump has shown open disdain for the F.B.I., saying that the standing of the nation’s premier law enforcement agency was the ‘worst in history’ and its reputation was in ‘tatters.’ “
-Michael Tackett, “President Trump Escalates Criticism of F.B.I. Role in Russia Inquiry,” The New York Times online, Dec. 15, 2017