Comey: FBI's Reputation Would Be Worse Had It Not Been for Him

Ousted FBI Director James Comey says the agency's credibility would be even worse today had it not been for his leadership of the bureau.

Comey's latest comments came Tuesday during an interview on NPR's "Morning Edition." He noted the FBI's credibility is worse than it was a couple of years ago.

"But again, people can disagree about this," he said. "And people I respect will. But my judgment is it would be worse today had we not picked the least bad alternative.

"I think the decisions that we had to make and lots of other follow-ons, sure, the Department of Justice's and the FBI's reputation has been hurt. It's under daily siege from the current president — so, sure"

He maintained that he protected the integrity of the FBI.

"I think so," he said. "Better than the alternative. Yes."

CNN noted Trump had tweeted on Sunday that Comey should be jailed for allegedly leaking classified information to journalists and lying to Congress.

Comey told NPR the statements were "not normal."

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