MSNBC host Joe Scarborough wrote on Twitter Monday that the day marks the lowest point of President Trump’s tenure so far.
The tweet from the “Morning Joe” host comes after FBI Director James Comey confirmed that the agency is probing Russian attempts at meddling in the 2016 presidential election, including whether figures in Trump’s campaign had connections to Russia.
{mosads}In the past, Trump has been a regular viewer of “Morning Joe,” a fact that reportedly drove up the cost of commercial spots when it airs.
Comey confirmed the existence of the investigation during a House Intelligence Committee hearing.
“As you know, our practice is not to confirm the existence of an ongoing investigation,” he said.
“But in unusual circumstances where it is in the public interest, it may be appropriate to do so,” Comey added, noting the Department of Justice (DOJ) had authorized him to break bureau policy and publicly disclose the probe.
“This is one of those circumstances. I can promise you we will follow the facts wherever they lead.”
Comey also said during Monday’s hearing that DOJ has found “no information” supporting Trump’s claim former President Barack Obama wiretapped him.
The FBI director refused to “characterize” tweets Trump posted earlier the month alleging Obama wiretapped Trump Tower in New York City last year.
Trump has not recanted the controversial claims, which the White House has said refer to the Obama administration’s surveillance activities more broadly.
The chairman and the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee have previously said no evidence exists substantiating Trump’s allegations.
DOJ sent documents to Chairman Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) and Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) last Friday that they each said do not verify the accusations.
Nunes said on Monday his panel has not ruled out other spying methods targeting Trump or his 2016 campaign besides wiretapping.
“We know there was not a wiretap on Trump Tower,” he said during the opening statement of Monday’s hearing. “However, it’s still possible that other surveillance activities were used against President Trump and his associates.”