Campaign Action
Say what you will about Donald Trump, but he wears his motivations on his sleeve. The very next sentences in Trump’s official letter after he informs FBI Director James Comey he has been fired?
While I greatly appreciate you informing me, on three separate occasions, that I am not under investigation, I nevertheless concur with the judgment of the Department of Justice that you are not able to effectively let the Bureau.
It is essential that we find new leadership for the FBI that restores public trust and confidence in its vital law enforcement mission.
There's no other way to read that other than Trump telling Comey that Comey's unwillingness to extend his investigation to Trump himself was "greatly" appreciated, and was a consideration for Trump when mulling whether to fire him for (allegedly) unrelated reasons. It "nevertheless" didn't change the outcome ... but it was a consideration.