Former FBI Director James Comey has ignited controversy by labeling the Republican Party as “white supremacist adjacent” during an interview with MSNBC host and former Biden White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki. Comey’s remarks have drawn criticism for their broad characterization of a major political party.
In the interview, Psaki questioned Comey about the adequacy of current laws in addressing challenges posed by the Trump administration. Comey responded, “Probably there could be changes at the margins, but in the main we have the tools; there are cultural impediments to doing this work.” He elaborated, “Let’s say you work in the FBI; you know that one of the two political parties is — let me put it nicely— white supremacist adjacent, at a minimum. And so why would you wanna throw your career on that side of the line and be summoned to Capitol Hill to be asked why you’re pursuing these innocent groups.”
Comey’s comments suggest that internal cultural factors within law enforcement agencies may hinder investigations into certain groups, due to perceived political affiliations. This assertion has been met with concern from those who view it as an inappropriate politicization of law enforcement.
In 2019, Comey accused President Trump of “stirring” racism for political gain, writing in the New York Times, “America has long had a radioactive racist soup in the center of our national life. Donald Trump thinks he is stirring it for political benefit. He’s actually doing something more dangerous.”
Critics argue that Comey’s recent statements further erode public trust in the impartiality of federal law enforcement agencies. The FBI has not issued a response to Comey’s remarks.
