Congressman DeSaulnier’s Statement on Reports President Trump Asked FBI Director Comey to End Investigation of Flynn

Washington, DC – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) issued the following statement in response to reports that President Trump asked the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey to shut down the federal investigation into former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn.

"We are at a critical moment in our nation's history. The reported attempt by President Trump to put an end to the FBI's investigation into Michael Flynn is an inappropriate abuse of power and reason for grave concern. In order to maintain faith in our democracy and trust in our government, it is essential that Republicans and Democrats set aside party affiliation and seek answers to the many questions plaguing this Administration and its connection to Russia.

"I joined my Democratic colleagues on the House Oversight and Government Reform and Judiciary Committees to demand the immediate launch of a joint investigation into any attempts by the President and his top officials to obstruct the ongoing criminal, counter-intelligence, and oversight investigations currently being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Justice, and Congress into members of the Trump campaign and their contacts with Russian officials.

"It is incumbent upon Members of Congress to uphold their Constitutional duty to serve as a check on the Executive Branch, to follow the facts, and to get to the truth. The credibility of the Office of the President of the United States and our government intuitions demand it, and most importantly, the American people deserve it," said Congressman Mark DeSaulnier.

A copy of the letter can be found here.