James Comey hinted at "small people" who have attacked the FBI and Andrew McCabe. | Drew Angerer/Getty Images Comey on McCabe's retirement: He 'stood tall'

Former FBI Director James Comey applauded Deputy Director Andrew McCabe on Monday, after McCabe abruptly left his post.

Comey also hinted at “small people” who have attacked the FBI and McCabe.


“Special Agent Andrew McCabe stood tall over the last 8 months, when small people were trying to tear down an institution we all depend on,” Comey wrote on Twitter. “He served with distinction for two decades.”

Comey, who was fired by President Donald Trump last May, added: “I wish Andy well. I also wish continued strength for the rest of the FBI. America needs you.”

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McCabe has been the subject of intense criticism from the president and conservatives for months.

During and after the presidential campaign, the soon-to-be former deputy director was lambasted for the fact that his wife, Jill, accepted more than $450,000 in campaign contributions from Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe and more than $207,000 from the state Democratic Party when she ran for Virginia state Senate.

McAuliffe is a longtime friend of former President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, which has led some, including Trump, to suggest the appearance of a quid pro quo, given that the FBI decided not to charge Hillary Clinton with a crime connected to her use of a private email server. In the past, Trump has stretched the truth in describing the situation.

The White House said Trump did not play a role in McCabe’s ouster.

POLITICO previously reported that FBI Director Chris Wray was cryptic in a message to bureau personnel about why McCabe was leaving but did cite an ongoing Justice Department inspector general’s investigation into alleged political influence on FBI investigations before the 2016 presidential election.

