Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

James Comey fired by Trump: 'This is the kind of thing dictators do', says Jimmy Kimmel

'We've seen a lot of unusual stuff but this is outrageous'

Christopher Hooton
Wednesday 10 May 2017 04:01 EDT
Comments
Jimmy Kimmel on James Comey firing: 'This is the kind of thing dictators do'

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The world is reeling this morning over news that President Trump has fired FBI Director James Comey, ostensibly over his handling of the Hillary Clinton emails.

“He fired the director of the FBI, while the director was investigating [Trump’s] people and possible collusion with Russia,” Kimmel said at the top of Jimmy Kimmel Live! last night, incredulous over the situation.

“That’s kind of like OJ firing Judge Ito half way through the trial," he joked.

Getting serious again, momentarily, Kimmel pointed out: "This is unbelievable. This is the kind of thing dictators do."


A copy of the termination letter to FBI Director James Comey from US President Donald Trump is seen at the White House on May 9, 2017 in Washington, DC. 

 A copy of the termination letter to FBI Director James Comey from US President Donald Trump is seen at the White House on May 9, 2017 in Washington, DC. 
 (AFP/Getty)

Comey reportedly laughed when he was told he had been fired, assuming it was a prank.

The FBI has been a thorn in Trump's side since it announced it was investigating his presidential campaign's ties with Russia, though it was Comey's public disclosure of the investigation into Clinton's private email server just days before the election that many credit for Trump's subsequent win.

"We've seen a lot of unusual stuff but this is outrageous," Kimmel added, also finding Trump's reasoning "hilarious" as it means "Trump fired James Comey for making him president".

Deputy Director of the FBI Andrew G. McCabe is now serving as Director following Comey's dismissal.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in