Bannon: Firing Comey was the biggest mistake in 'modern political history'

Former Trump strategic adviser says he opposed FBI director’s ouster, which paved the way for special counsel’s appointment

Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon said the firing of FBI Director James Comey may have been the biggest mistake in “modern political history.”

Bannon confirmed he opposed US President Donald Trump’s decision to oust Comey, calling the FBI “an institution.” Bannon told CBS that institutions such as the US Senate and House of Representatives can be changed “if the leadership is changed.” But he also said the FBI is different.

“I don’t believe that the institutional logic of the FBI, and particularly in regards to an investigation, could possibly be changed by changing the head of it,” Bannon said.

The ousted White House adviser also said that if Comey hadn’t been fired, “We would not have the Mueller investigation,” referring to special counsel Robert Mueller.

Bannon, a favorite among the farther-right in the GOP, was jettisoned from his post in August after a turbulent seven months in the West Wing. He returned to Breitbart News, which he led before joining Trump’s campaign.