James Comey also tells Senate intelligence committee that Trump 'demanded his loyalty'

  WASHINGTON – By all accounts, the appearance of dismissed FBI director James Comey was a blockbuster judging by the number of people and media personnel who packed the session hall at Capitol Hill to listen to what he had to say. And Comey did not disappoint. He dropped a bombshell when he testified before the US Congress. Comey said US President Donald Trump demanded his loyalty, that he end the FBI's probe on former national security adviser Michael Flynn over his contacts with Russia during the transition, and pressured him to publicly say that he is not under any investigation in any Russia inquiry. Comey's revelations were contained in an opening statement he released during his appearance before the Senate intelligence committee. The document contained a detailed account of Comey's meetings with Trump and direct quotes from Trump. With Comey's testimony, opponents of the Trump administration believe that the President may have obstructed justice and abused his power in his dealings with Comey. Comey said during their meeting at the Oval Office on February 14, Trump allegedly asked him to drop the investigation on Flynn for making calls to Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the transition period. Flynn lied about the conversations to Vice President Mike Pence, resulting in his dismissal as national security adviser. Comey quoted Trump as saying: "I hope you can see your way clear to letting this go, to letting Flynn go. He is a good guy. I hope you can let this go." To which Comey said: "he is a good guy." "I did not say I would 'let this go'," he added. CNN said Trump's critics contended that the encounter is tantamount to an inappropriate pressure by Trump on the FBI, which would have dire consequences on his presidency if proven. Comey's account contradicted Trump's earlier statement that he did not pressure Comey to drop the inquiry on Flynn. When asked earlier by reporters if he pressed Comey to stop the inquiry, Trump said: No, no, next question." With regard any investigation of Trump, Comey said he did tell the President twice that he was not under any investigation – prior to his inauguration and when he was President. "The President is pleased that Mr. Comey has finally publicly confirmed his private reports that the President was not under investigation in any Russian probe," said Trump's personal attorney, Marc Kasowitz. Meanwhile, Comey alleged that Trump demanded his loyalty during a dinner meeting last January. According to Comey, Trump said: "I need loyalty, I expect loyalty". Comey said he "didn't move, speak or change my facial expression in any way during the awkward silence that followed" then told Trump "you will always get honesty from me." He said the President answered: "That's what I want. Honest loyalty." Reactions to Comey's testimony from both houses of Congress came fast. Republic Senator John McCain told CNN that he found the testimony "disturbing" while Democratic Congressman Adam Schiff, who is the a member of the House intelligence committee, said Comey's testimony "confirms a host of troubling allegations concerning the President's conduct." The American Conservative Union, which is supportive of Trump, downplayed Comey's testimony with Union chairman Matt Schlapp saying: ""This is one man's account of a conversation, it is a set of notes, it's exactly what we expect from James Comey. ... He is a grandstander, he likes to be the honest man, he is going to play that role (in his next appearance) on Thursday." 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