Testimony from former FBI Director James Comey's closed-door session with lawmakers last week was released late Saturday, revealing, among other things, that Comey apparently is unable to recall key details of the FBI's counterintelligence investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and the Trump campaign.
In fact, Comey so frequently told lawmakers he could not answer their questions that a tweet from one top congressional Republican, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), went viral over the weekend for noting the absurdity of Comey's testimony.
What did Jordan say?
In a tweet, Jordan brought attention to the number of times Comey told lawmakers "I don't know," "I don't remember," or "I don't recall" in response to their questions. In total, Comey uttered those phrases 245 times.
James Comey:
“I don't recall"—8 times
“I don't remember"—71 times
“I don't know"—166 times
AND he said he didn't know that
Christopher Steele was passing information to Bruce Ohr, who was giving it to the FBI.
— Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) December 8, 2018
Many found it preposterous that Comey, who was privy to all information in the investigation before being fired by President Donald Trump, could not recall key details of the investigation. Transcripts reveal lawmakers' frustration with Comey's inability to remember facts about the investigation.
Additionally, the transcripts revealed several tense exchanges Comey engaged in with Republican lawmakers concerning special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. Several times, Comey directly refused to answer questions about the genesis of the investigation, citing his belief that doing so may compromise the integrity of the investigation. He later told lawmakers that Mueller's investigation is "off limits."
Anything else?
President Donald Trump blasted Comey on Twitter Sunday for being unable to adequately answer lawmakers' questions.
On 245 occasions, former FBI Director James Comey told House investigators he didn't know, didn't recall, or couldn't remember things when asked. Opened investigations on 4 Americans (not 2) - didn't know who signed off and didn't know Christopher Steele. All lies!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 9, 2018
Leakin' James Comey must have set a record for who lied the most to Congress in one day. His Friday testimony was so untruthful! This whole deal is a Rigged Fraud headed up by dishonest people who would do anything so that I could not become President. They are now exposed!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 9, 2018