Whatever happens with the investigations into President Donald Trump’s campaign and his firing of FBI Director James Comey, significant damage has been done to the president’s reputation that brings into stark question his ability to lead.

Even if Trump isn’t implicated in colluding with the Russians, even if none of his campaign staffers are found guilty, Comey’s sworn testimony and the known facts about his firing cripple the president’s credibility.

Comey’s testimony portrays a president who only cares about loyalty to himself, and not loyalty to all Americans. By repeatedly pressuring the then director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to swear allegiance to him, Trump betrayed America. He never reversed this error, and kept talking about the necessity of personal loyalty with Comey until the day he fired him.

Trump denies everything, of course. But who can believe him? He’s proven himself wonderfully skilled at telling lies.

Comey described the president at their White House dinner near the end of January asking the director whether he wanted to remain in his job. The query seemed to come out of nowhere. Comey already had made his desire to fulfill his 10-year term known publicly, and of course Trump already knew that. Not only does Trump watch more television news than most people, Comey already had told him on two prior occasions he intended to stay at the helm. But there was a reason for the inquiry, as the experienced investigator understood. Comey testified that he assumed the question meant to elicit “some sort of patronage relationship,” noting: “That concerned me greatly, given the FBI’s traditionally independent status in the executive branch.”

Trump next said: “I need loyalty. I expect loyalty.”

Yes, those who serve the commander in chief in governing, in law enforcement, or in defending the nation must be loyal, but they’re to be loyal to the institution and the country, and to our laws and principles. Trump backers, such as Trump henchman Chris Christie, assert that Trump was simply unaware of the rules and traditions and expectations. That such talk was just how it’s done in New York.

But certainly even in business the expectation of loyalty to one’s colleagues and partners includes allegiance to the rule of law. Once in the White House, the expectation should be that a president does whatever it takes to serve the nation lawfully and honestly, even if that involves a steep learning curve.

Trump’s firing of Comey also shows how false it is that Trump somehow brings an extraordinary management style and an innate personal ability to lead. Trump was going to drain the swamp, not dig it deeper. He was going to be the sharp executive with instincts so keen he alone would know what was best in how to proceed. Yet one of the most surprising elements of the Comey firing was Trump’s conviction that Democrats would praise Comey’s comeuppance. He would score points!

Earth to Trump: Since his firing, stock in James Comey is through the roof, and the White House agenda has become a sinking ship.

Next, of course, Trump botched his explanation of the firing, first arguing the pink slip came as a result of Comey’s handling of the Clinton investigation, and then quickly admitting it was because of the Russian one.

Trump’s only values are the constantly shifting ones he conjures to win for himself a favorable news cycle.

Even if he survives these investigations, his credibility going forward will be forever tarnished unless he’s able to reform.

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