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James Comey, director of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee during a hearing in Washington D.C., May 3, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

That Donald Trump is impulsive, with a tinge of outright recklessness, is no secret. He has exhibited this throughout his short political career. However, he has been lucky, unlike some others, in that he has so far not only survived, but often thrived on his rashness.

The taped remarks about woman that surfaced during the presidential campaign could have proved destructive for any other mortal without a long streak of luck. Instead, Trump was exonerated and won the race.

The way FBI Director James Comey was shown the door is the latest feat. Nobody had a clue that Trump would remove the man who was probing alleged Russian interference in last year's election. However, this is Trump's way of doing things; he can say one and then do another, such as vowing not to interfere in Syria and then launching missile strikes.

Comey's story would have been forgotten in days. After all, he was hated by Democrats over the issue of Hillary Clinton emails in which Comey's intention at a crucial moment in the campaign did much damage. That's politics, of course, and after his fall, Comey has found support from the same people who previously wanted his head.

It is one of the reasons that Comey's "ghost" is circling the skies over Washington DC, making it clear that it was easier for the president to remove him than try and live with his presence in government.

History repeats itself. Richard Nixon removed Archibald Cox, the independent special prosecutor looking into Watergate on October 20, 1973, which has become known in American history as the "Saturday Night Massacre." The bizarre dismissal of Cox by the president created widespread discontent that led Congress to impeach him. The sordid drama ended with Nixon's resignation.

What transpired 43 years ago has a stark resemblance with happenings on May 9, 2017, although it hasn't yet been declared a "massacre."

The central question is whether the removal in any way impedes, or was meant to impede, a fair and free investigation. The answer is not sheer black and white. However, in the absence of a credible reason to justify the sacking, it is becoming increasingly hard to convince the public about the hidden merits of the decision.

Already discrepancy is visible between what is said by Trump and the thinking of Comey's subordinates. The White House said his competence was in question and he had lost confidence within the crucial agency.

Acting Director Andrew McCabe quickly assured a Senate committee that his former boss enjoyed "broad support" within the organization. His words can be trusted as McCabe also said Comey's dismissal would not impact the Russia probe.

The investigation into the interference by Russia to the detriment of Hillary Clinton is important, as allegation have been leveled umpteen times at multiple levels. If proved, it would result in a major row between Washington and Moscow, with long-term consequences for American politics and international peace and stability.

There were reports that Comey wanted more resources to carry out the investigation. Democrats are demanding tape recordings of any conversation between Comey and the White House about the probe.

Trump has no choice but to come clean on the issue. His attitude has been less than convincing and it will further increase the pressure, both moral and political. Despite efforts by his aides, the Trump team has failed to justify his action.

The situation can be retrieved, at least partially, provided there is will and method for it. Time is the essence and Trump should move fast. First, he should appoint a special prosecutor to ensure a fair examination of the Russia affair. It will immediately deflect the pressure, as focus would shift to the appointment and challenges for the prosecutor.

Second, Trump can further dampen the rumpus by appointing a man of unblemished character as the new FBI director, someone who could be trusted and win bipartisan support in the Congress for the top job.

There is a way out, though. Due to Attorney General Jeff Sessions' recusal on the matter, it's Deputy Attorney General Jay Rosenstein's call whether to appoint a special counsel to head the Justice Department's Russia investigation. It may be the one card Trump can play to sidestep the growing frenzy that spins around him.

Sajjad Malik is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/SajjadMalik.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.

 

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