Leon Panetta on Latest Comey Revelations: ‘No Question That It Smacks of Obstruction’

So often in recent weeks, the words “obstruction of justice” have been spoken on cable news, and there have been discussions about whether or not President Donald Trump committed the act. While many have suggested the possibility, few, if any, of those who have done so have the resume to match Leon Panetta’s.

Appearing Wednesday on The Situation Room, Panetta — the former Secretary of Defense, Director of the CIA, and White House Chief of Staff — said that if former FBI Director James Comey testifies that Trump told him to back off an investigation involving his former National Security Advisor Mike Flynn, he’s getting close to meeting the definition of the act.

“Clearly, when the President urges the FBI director not to continue an investigation, there’s no question that it smacks of obstruction,” Panetta said.

Panetta’s comments come on the same day it was reported that Comey is prepared to testify publicly, possibly as early as next week, that indeed he was told to back off the Flynn investigation.

“I think it’s very significant and very important to the entire administration,” Panetta said of Comey’s testimony. “He played a key role as FBI Director in conducting certainly a preliminary investigation into this whole issue. And he certainly has, I think, the possibility in his testimony of opening the door to an obstruction of justice charge.”

Watch above, via CNN.

[featured image via screengrab]

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