President Donald Trump on Tuesday abruptly fired FBI Director James Comey in the fallout over Comey's probe of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's emails last year, saying Comey was no longer able to effectively lead the agency.

On its own, US President Donald Trump's letter dumping FBI director James Comey is curious.

Let's break it down, bit by bit.

May 9, 2017

REUTERS/YURI GRIPAS Trump's letter informing Comey of his sacking was brief and puzzling.

Dear Director Comey:

I have received the attached letters from the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General of the United States recommending your dismissal as the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Our take: The memo from deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein, also dated May 9, is headed "restoring public confidence in the FBI".

Rosenstein concludes that Comey's actions in the investigation of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's email server undermined confidence in the agency.

He gives a detailed account of what he sees as Comey's missteps and breaks with the "fundamental principles" and "traditions" of the FBI in the Clinton email investigation. He reels off the critical views of a series of former judicial leaders about Comey's conduct.

The letter from Attorney General Jeff Sessions, also dated May 9, basically endorses his deputy's view. Sessions recommends to Trump that Comey is removed.

Back to Trump:

I have accepted their recommendation and you are hereby terminated and removed from office, effective immediately.

Our take: Comey actually learned of his dismissal while addressing FBI colleagues.

According to the BBC's Jon Sopel, Comey was in the middle of a speech addressing agents in Los Angeles when he was handed a note.

"He read it and told staff he'd been fired," Sopel said.

Other reports said news of Comey's sacking was flashing across television news screens as he was addressing staff.

It's also been reported that a longtime Trump bodyguard, Keith Schiller, hand delivered a copy of this letter to the Justice Department headquarters in Washington DC.

Back to Trump:

While I greatly appreciate you informing me, on three separate occasions, that I am not under investigation, I nevertheless concur with the judgment of the Department of Justice that you are not able to effectively lead the Bureau.

Our take: Trump is referring here to Comey's investigation of alleged Russian interference in the US Presidential election. He's placing on record that Comey has apparently told him repeatedly that his investigation is not specifically targeted at him.

Why Trump mentions this at all is puzzling. Neither the Rosenstein nor the Sessions memos make any mention of Comey's election probe.

It perhaps betrays the real reason behind Trump's determination to remove Comey: He wants the ongoing investigation of possible Russian influence in his election victory nixed.

Back to Trump:

It is essential that we find new leadership for the FBI that restores the public trust and confidence in its vital law enforcement mission.

Our take: This basically parrots lines from Sessions and Rosenstein. Comey's deputy, Andrew McCabe fills the job for now. Sessions will probably name an interim director soon while the search for a permanent replacement continues.

Back to Trump:

I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.

Our take: Here's a vague pleasantry. Go away now, please.

Back to Trump:

Donald J. Trump

Our take: Yep, he's still President of the United States of America.