Former FBI Director James Comey is taking heat over his response to the news of former President Donald Trump’s indictment.
Comey returned to Twitter after several weeks of relative silence to offer five words in response to the news as he wrote, “It’s been a good day.”
It’s been a good day.
— James Comey (@Comey) March 31, 2023
The ability to comment on the post was restricted to only those who Comey follows or mentions. However, it did not stop conservatives from commenting on Twitter.
Conservative commentator Larry Elder wrote, “Hillary Clinton, who clearly violated the Espionage Act under which intent you claimed she lacked is not required, was unavailable for comment…”
Hillary Clinton, who clearly violated the Espionage Act under which intent you claimed she lacked is not required, was unavailable for comment… https://t.co/2HxKW7vwCi
— Larry Elder (@larryelder) March 31, 2023
Former Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) tweeted, “Anyone still have doubts?”
Anyone still have doubts? https://t.co/2Tv7y0UTNe
— Doug Collins (@RepDougCollins) March 31, 2023
Filmmaker Dean Cain wrote, “Just nakedly display your political corruption…”
Just nakedly display your political corruption… https://t.co/lJYbknGPvC
— Dean Cain (@RealDeanCain) March 31, 2023
David Harsanyi, a senior editor at The Federalist, wrote, “Best day for him since he let Hillary walk.”
Best day for him since he let Hillary walk. https://t.co/9m4wlz1IDj
— David Harsanyi (@davidharsanyi) March 31, 2023
It was not just conservatives who criticized Comey. One user appeared to place blame on Comey for Trump’s 2016 election, writing, “Now imagine you hadn’t f*cked the entire nation seven years ago, Jim.”
Now imagine you hadn't fucked the entire nation seven years ago, Jim. https://t.co/hvCRinyRsm
— School Bonds Attack Kitty (@AHelikitty) March 31, 2023
Another user tweeted, “Maybe it wouldn’t have come to this if you hadn’t been an idiot who spiked the 2016 election with your bullshit Weiner laptop announcement.”
Maybe it wouldn't have come to this if you hadn't been an idiot who spiked the 2016 election with your bullshit Weiner laptop announcement. https://t.co/rxHoIguPW3
— Jeff Ralston 🥧🥧🍻💉 (@JeffR914) March 31, 2023
We have had over 200 years of precedent that essentially exempted former presidents from facing criminal charges, which ended on Thursday.
If someone breaks the law, they should be held accountable no matter how rich or powerful they are.
Yet, there are questions about whether or not this is really the case to be the one to bring the first indictment of a former president. The New York Times reports the case is based on a legal theory that has not been tested before. The charges appear to stem from a payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.
However, the indictment is sealed, and as of Friday morning, none of the politicians or commentators know what the charges are — at least they shouldn’t yet.
The theory of the case may be wrong, and it could turn out Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has documents and testimony to convince a jury beyond a shadow of a doubt Trump committed a heinous crime. It is also possible the reporting is correct and the case is seen as a political prosecution.
Yet simply because of the fact we have not seen the charges, everyone — commentators and politicians — should hold their fire about the case. Yes, it is dramatic and a historic moment. But a court could throw out the charges. Or Trump could be found not guilty.
It is far too early for everyone to be setting their hair on fire or celebrating a mere indictment — not even a conviction — from a grand jury.
Still, one clear thing is it is not going to do any good for the image of the justice system to have a former FBI director celebrating the first-ever indictment of a former president.