Trump Brands Clapper and Comey ‘Criminals’ in D.C. Remarks

Former U.S. President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric against former Obama-era intelligence officials during remarks in Washington, D.C., on 14 Aug. 2025. Trump labeled former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and former FBI Director James Comey "criminals," describing them and unnamed colleagues as "sick people" who "should be taken care of." Trump also complained that critics portray him as a "dictator" and as someone "working for Putin," claiming unnamed Democratic and Republican acquaintances had thanked him for his current political efforts in the capital. He said those who advanced allegations about his ties to Russia "should be prosecuted."