Former FBI Director James Comey James Brien ComeyDemocrats fear Russia interference could spoil bid to retake Senate Book: FBI sex crimes investigator helped trigger October 2016 public probe of Clinton emails Trump jabs at FBI director over testimony on Russia, antifa MORE said Monday he took inspiration from a visit to Mount Rushmore in a brief message sent amid a chaotic day of headlines that included an order from President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden on Trump's refusal to commit to peaceful transfer of power: 'What country are we in?' Romney: 'Unthinkable and unacceptable' to not commit to peaceful transition of power Two Louisville police officers shot amid Breonna Taylor grand jury protests MORE to declassify Comey's text messages related to the Russia investigation.

"Enjoyed today’s visit: An inspiring reminder that we always emerge stronger from hard times," Comey tweeted along with a photo in front of the memorial in South Dakota.

Enjoyed today’s visit: An inspiring reminder that we always emerge stronger from hard times. pic.twitter.com/vpqzTQbey9 — James Comey (@Comey) September 17, 2018

Comey, who was fired in May 2017 and regularly tweets both subtle and overt criticisms of Trump, sent his latest message a short time after the president ordered the declassification of parts of a surveillance application that allowed the FBI to monitor former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page.

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In addition, the president directed that "all text messages relating to the Russia investigation" from Comey and several other federal officials, including Comey's former deputy, Andrew McCabe Andrew George McCabeGraham: Comey to testify about FBI's Russia probe, Mueller declined invitation Barr criticizes DOJ in speech declaring all agency power 'is invested in the attorney general' GOP votes to authorize subpoenas, depositions in Obama-era probe MORE, be made public.

The move was seen as highly unusual, and is likely to inflame tensions with law enforcement officials and Democrats who believe the order is an improper effort by Trump and his congressional allies to undermine in an ongoing investigation.

Conservative allies of the president have long sought the disclosure of additional documents related to the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, arguing that the materials would prove the probe was illegitimate or biased.

Comey's tweet also came as senators announced that Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and Christine Blasey Ford will testify next week over Ford's allegation that Kavanaugh pinned her to a bed, groped her and attempted to remove her clothes during a high school party in the 1980s.

Additionally on Monday, Trump announced new tariffs against China, escalating concerns regarding a trade dispute between the world's two largest economies.