Interviews well underway for new FBI director

WASHINGTON – The Associated Press

Eight candidates for FBI director were interviewed at Justice Department headquarters May 13 as President Donald Trump suggested a decision on a nominee to replace ousted Director James Comey could be announced within days.

Trump left May 12 for his first overseas trip as president. He told reporters it was possible he could make public his selection before he departs for the Mideast and Europe.

“I think the process is going to go quickly. Almost all of them are very well-known,” Trump said aboard the plane that took him to Lynchburg, Virginia, where he gave the commencement address at Liberty University.

“They’ve been vetted over their lifetime essentially, but very well-known, highly respected, really talented people. And that’s what we want for the FBI.”

Trump abruptly fired Comey last week and later said Comey was a “showboat” and “grandstander” who was not doing a good job. The firing drew a wave of criticism in large part because the FBI has been investigating whether election meddling by Russia involved people in Trump’s presidential campaign. Changing rationales for the firing offered by White House aides added an element of chaos to the president’s action.

Comey’s replacement requires Senate confirmation. The FBI director serves a 10-year term but can be replaced by the president.

So far 14 people - lawmakers, attorneys and law enforcement officials among them - have emerged as candidates. Eight met May 13 with Attorney General Jeff Sessions and his deputy, Rod Rosenstein, throughout the day.