First GOP rep openly admits he'd support Trump firing deputy AG to obstruct Russia probe

As Donald Trump continues pushing for a purge of high-ranking Justice Department officials responsible for the Russia investigation, even some Republicans have warned the White House against further moves to obstruct the probe.

But not Kentucky Rep. James Comer.

With the sudden ouster of FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, the latest target is Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. That “raises more flags than it dismisses,” said Rep. Mark Sanford (R-SC).

Comer had a different take.

“If he moved to fire Rosenstein, what would you do?” asked CNN anchor Poppy Harlow.

“Well, I mean, the president has the ability to fire his at-will employees,” Comer replied. “So if the president fired Rosentstein, I would support that.”

Comer went on to insist the Russia investigation has been a “distraction” from the Trump agenda.

Comer was one of many Republican lawmakers who took a beating at town halls last year for supporting Trump’s agenda. He was also among several Republicans who suggested that Trump was just joking when he pressured then- FBI Director James Comey to end the investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI last year.

Trump’s designs on firing Rosenstein only further deepen a roiling constitutional crisis that began with his firing of Comey, and has accelerated with breakneck speed this year. It’s time for Republicans of conscience to put an end to it.