After the House Republicans released the memos from former FBI director James Comey, President Donald Trump declared victory on Twitter.

“James Comey Memos just out and show clearly that there was NO COLLUSION and NO OBSTRUCTION. Also, he leaked classified information. WOW! Will the Witch Hunt continue?” he tweeted.

James Comey Memos just out and show clearly that there was NO COLLUSION and NO OBSTRUCTION. Also, he leaked classified information. WOW! Will the Witch Hunt continue? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 20, 2018

ADVERTISEMENT

The memos don’t prove there was no collusion, rather they quote the president saying that there is no collusion.

Similarly, the memos don’t prove there was no obstruction of justice. The allegation against Trump is that the firing of Comey was the example of obstruction, because Trump told NBC News Lester Holt the firing was as a result of the Russia investigation.

A leak is defined as an unauthorized release of confidential government information. Thus, the release of the memo was not technically considered a leak.

Many commentators have noted that the release of the memos ultimately makes Trump look worse. Whether it was the constant need to bring up Russia, yet another story of Trump and Russian prostitutes and the concerning timeline about conversations regarding former national security advisor Michael Flynn.