UPDATE - FBI will no longer inform White House on Russia probe

ADDS EDITS, ELECTORAL COMMISSION, TRUMP NBC INTERVIEW

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 last year's polls, the bureau's acting director said Thursday.

Under questioning from Sen. Ron Wyden, Andrew McCabe told the Senate Intelligence Committee that he would 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 was not 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 had "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 was "one of the smallest things" on the FBI's agenda, saying instead that it was "highly significant".

Amid mounting scrutiny, Trump defended his decision to remove Comey, telling NBC's Lester Holt that Comey was a "showboat" and a "grandstander".

"The FBI has been in turmoil," Trump said. "You know that, I know that. Everybody knows that. You take a look at the FBI a year ago, it was in virtual turmoil, less than a year ago. It hasn't recovered from that."

Trump further maintained he desired to know "if there was a problem in the election having to do with Russia".

"If Russia did anything, I want to know that," he added.

He reiterated his long-standing position that there was no "collusion between me and my campaign and the Russians".

The comments came as Trump established a new commission to investigate alleged voter fraud. Vice President Mike Pence will lead the group.

Comey has not defended his record or made any public statements since he was unexpectedly removed from office.

He may have the opportunity next week following a reported invitation to testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Comey was originally scheduled to testify during Thursday's hearing before he was fired.