James Comey James Brien ComeyTrump jabs at FBI director over testimony on Russia, antifa Graham: 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' MORE’s father defended the former FBI director on Friday while returning criticism of President Trump, calling him "nuts."

“I never was crazy about Trump,” J. Brien Comey, 86, told NorthJersey.com for a column on the view of residents in the former FBI chief's hometown of Allendale, N.J.

“I’m convinced that he’s nuts," continued the elder Comey, a Republican who formerly served as a borough councilman, referring to Trump. "I thought he belonged in an institution. He was crazy before he became president. Now he’s really crazy.”

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The comments come after Trump called the fired FBI chief a "showboat" and "grandstander." On Friday, The New York Times also reported that Trump referred to Comey as a "nut job," saying firing him eased "great pressure" from the Russia probe.

Trump fired James Comey as FBI director earlier this month. Lawmakers questioned the timing and motive for the ouster, which came amid an ongoing investigation into possible coordination between Trump's campaign and Russia during the election.

The fired FBI chief agreed Friday to testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee, although a date for the hearing has not yet been announced. He is expected to say Trump attempted to influence FBI investigations, CNN reported Friday.

The New York Times broke the news earlier this week that Trump asked Comey in a mid-February meeting to let “go” of his investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn and his ties to Russia. Trump denied that he made that request.

Comey reportedly maintained a paper trail to document what he viewed as the president’s improper attempts to influence his agency’s investigation. Comey reportedly went so far to avoid Trump as to try to blend in with curtains during a White House event with Trump earlier this year.