FBI will no longer inform White House on Russia probe

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The FBI will no longer inform the White House of developments in its probe of potential collusion between President Donald Trump's election campaign and Russia's efforts to influence the election, the bureau's acting director said Thursday.

Under questioning from Sen. Ron Wyden, Andrew McCabe told the Senate Intelligence Committee that he will refrain from further updating the White House regarding the ongoing probe.

McCabe's testimony comes two days after Trump abruptly ousted former FBI Director James Comey from office.

Trump said he made the decision based on the recommendation of the Justice Department. The president asserts in his dismissal letter that the former FBI director assured him he wasn't under investigation "on three separate occasions".

The timing of Trump's decision, -- as the bureau is investigating whether Trump campaign associates colluded with Russia in last year's election -- has prompted many, including some from within his own party, to question his rationale.

McCabe further said Comey has "broad support" within the bureau, a comment that stands at stark odds with a White House defense of Trump's decision, namely that Comey "lost the confidence" of the bureau's rank and file.

"I hold Director Comey in the absolute highest regard," McCabe said. "We have a diversity of opinion about many things, but I can confidently tell you that the vast majority of FBI employees enjoyed a deep and positive connection to Director Comey."

He further broke with the White House's claim that the inquiry is "one of the smallest things" on the FBI's agenda, saying instead that it is "highly significant".

Comey has reportedly been invited to testify before the committee next week. He was originally scheduled to testify during Thursday's hearing before he was fired.