National Security

Report: Trump Told Russians He Fired 'Nut Job' Comey Because Of Investigation

7:09pm May 19, 2017

by Jessica Taylor

The president reportedly trashed the former FBI director the day after the firing, saying he hoped James Comey's dismissal would ease the growing investigation into Trump associates' ties with Russia.

Michael Flynn (with his hand to his ear) sits next to Russian President Vladimir Putin at a dinner in Moscow on Dec. 10, 2015, celebrating the 10th anniversary of RT, an English-language TV channel funded by the Russian government.

Michael Flynn's Contradictory Line On Russia

6:13pm May 19, 2017

by Greg Myre

Michael Flynn's contacts with Russia are a key part of the investigation into whether there was collusion during the presidential campaign. Here's the irony: Flynn often described Russia as an enemy.

Queue Listen Now

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein leaves the U.S. Capitol following a closed-door briefing with members of the House of Representatives on Friday.

Rosenstein On Comey Memo: 'I Wrote It. I Believe It. I Stand By It'

4:42pm May 19, 2017

by Jessica Taylor

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein told Congress that he knew the president planned to fire James Comey before he wrote a memo that the White House had cited to justify the termination.

Trump Embarks On First Overseas Trip Without Naming New FBI Director

4:36pm May 19, 2017

by Scott Horsley

President Trump embarks on his first overseas trip without naming a new pick to replace fired FBI Director James Comey. One candidate for the job, former Sen. Joe Lieberman, is drawing mixed reviews.

Queue Listen Now

Week In Politics: Fallout Continues Over Firing Of FBI Director Comey

4:36pm May 19, 2017

NPR's Ari Shapiro joins regular political commentators E.J. Dionne of The Washington Post and Brookings Institution and David Brooks of The New York Times to review the week in political news, namely the ongoing fallout over the firing of FBI Director James Comey and the ongoing investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Queue Listen Now

Robert Mueller speaks during an interview at FBI headquarters in Washington on Aug. 21, 2013, as his tenure as FBI director was coming to an end.

New Russia Special Counsel Has Yet to Undergo Conflicts Check

11:42am May 19, 2017

by Carrie Johnson

Ethics experts said the Justice Department needs to review possible conflicts involving special counsel Robert Mueller III because his former law firm represents people involved in the Russia probe.

Ex-National Security Adviser Michael Flynn Embroiled In Russia Controversy

4:48pm May 18, 2017

by Greg Myre

There's been a lot happening in Washington on the imbroglio involving Trump, Russia and the FBI. Reuters reports there were more contacts between Trump aides and Russia than previously disclosed. The New York Times reports Trump's camp was warned before the fact that Michael Flynn was under investigation, and the deputy attorney general briefed senators about all of this on Thursday.

Queue Listen Now

Special Counsel Confronts Task Of Overseeing FBI's Russia Investigation

4:48pm May 18, 2017

by Geoff Bennett

The special counsel who will investigate alleged Russian interference in the presidential election has broad authority and can bring prosecutions if he chooses. He reports to the deputy attorney general. NPR explains the position of special counsel.

Queue Listen Now

GOP Sen. Susan Collins Details Briefing With Deputy Attorney General

4:48pm May 18, 2017

NPR's Audie Cornish talks with Sen. Susan Collins, Republican of Maine and member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, about the Senate briefing with Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.

Queue Listen Now

Former FBI Director To Lead Probe Of Russian Meddling

8:36am May 18, 2017

by Domenico Montanaro

The deputy attorney general has appointed Robert Mueller as special counsel on the Russia investigation. Mueller ran the FBI for 12 years, beginning one week before the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

Queue Listen Now