Less than one month ago, President Donald J. Trump abruptly fired embattled FBI Director James Comey for repeatedly failing to uphold the standards expected of the agency which he ran.
Ever since Comey was fired, multiple individuals have surfaced as possible replacements, including Judge Merrick Garland, who President Obama nominated in 2016 to the Supreme Court.
While many names have been mentioned, one individual seems to be very high on President Trump’s shortlist, John Pistole, who used to be the second in command at the FBI as well as the former head of the TSA.
Trump is interviewing John Pistole for the FBI director job to replace fired James Comey https://t.co/JMrsKcWcIE #ComeyFiring pic.twitter.com/BUWIJMlPec
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) May 30, 2017
From USA Today:
Pistole is meeting with Trump Tuesday afternoon at the White House, according to a former longtime Washington colleague of Pistole’s, who has spoken to him recently but wasn’t authorized to speak on the record.
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Pistole worked at the FBI from 1983 until 2010, serving in his final six years as deputy director under Robert Mueller.
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Pistole’s name surfaced early in speculation of who might be tapped because of his extensive law enforcement experience and strong reputation across both sides of the political aisle. But it was unclear if Pistole, now president of a Christian university in his hometown of Anderson, Ind., would want the job. He’s previously declined interview requests about the post.
Jay Abbott, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis office, said the job would be extremely difficult but Pistole would have broad support within the agency.
Throughout his tumultuous tenure as head of the FBI, Comey routinely made headlines for his rogue actions, including his unprecedented decision to recommend no charges be filed in the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s illegal email server.
Comey had lost the trust of the agents in the FBI and it was completely appropriate for President Trump to relieve him of his duties. Pistole is a veteran of the FBI, and if hired would have the respect and trust of the thousands of agents who would serve him.
Last week, former Senator Joseph Lieberman withdrew his name from consideration, due to Lieberman’s business ties to President Trump’s lawyer, Marc Kasowitz.
What are your thoughts on President Trump potentially selecting John Pistole to head the FBI? Would he be a good selection? Share your thoughts below!