Perino: Trump Shouldn't Have Given Reason for Firing Comey

Since the FBI director serves at the pleasure of the president, Donald Trump wasn't required to give a reason for firing James Comey on Tuesday.

But since he did, it could keep the issue alive, says former White House Press Secretary Dana Perino.

Perino, who served in the George W. Bush administration, is currently a co-host of Fox News Channel's "The Five," and told her co-hosts on Wednesday that Comey now will be able to defend himself — and that will keep the story alive that much longer.

Bush made the same mistake when he fired seven U.S. attorneys in 2006, leading to a lengthy Justice Department investigation, she said.

"That's exactly what President Trump did yesterday in his letter," Perino said,

"Jim Comey is on the defense. He will have the right to defend himself," she said. "If they call him to the Hill next week, he will defend his honor and answer the questions. This story will just continue to go."

Comey was slated to testify before Congress before his firing, and some legislators have indicated they'd still like to hear from him.

Trump likely didn't bring in enough people during the decision-making process to let Comey go, and that led to the turmoil that ensued, Perino said.

"You know why?" co-host Kimberly Guilfoyle responded. "Probably worried about leaks."

The Trump White House was plagued with leaks in the early days of the administration, reportedly leaving Trump furious.

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