'Worst mistake in modern political history': Former Trump adviser Bannon on Comey firing

Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon has made a startling admission in his first television interview since leaving the White House last month.

Steve Bannon

Donald Trump's former chief strategist Steve Bannon says the Comey firing is the "worst mistake in modern political history". Source: CBS / 60 Minutes

Donald Trump's former chief strategist Steve Bannon says the sudden sacking of former FBI director James Comey is 'the worst mistake in modern political history'.

Mr Bannon, who was fired last month by the US President, gave his first interview after leaving the White House on CBS's '60 Minutes' on Sunday night local time.

The Breitbart News executive chairman was asked by journalist Charlie Rose if he thought Mr Trump's decision was the "biggest mistake in political history".
James Comey
It has been previously reported Mr Bannon did not support the decision to fire the former FBI director (pictured). Source: AAP
"That would probably be too bombastic even for me, but maybe modern political history," Mr Bannon responded.

When pushed further by Rose who asked if he was opposed to the firing of Mr Comey, Mr Bannon only said: "I don't want to talk about further conversations but the media reported I was adamantly opposed."

Rose also questioned whether Mr Bannon thought special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation would have come to fruition if Mr Comey had not been fired.

"I don't think there's any doubt that if James Comey had not been fired, we would not have a special counsel, yes," Mr Bannon said.

In the revealing interviewing, Mr Bannon also took aim at the Catholic Church over its opposition of repealing the Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

Cardinal Timothy Dolan and his bishops were "terrible" for condemning Mr Trump's decision and suggested they had financial interest in supporting the intiative.

"You know why?  Because [they’re] unable to come to grips with the problems in the church, they need illegal aliens to fill the churches," Mr Bannon said.

US Attorney-General Jeff Sessions announced last week the Trump administration would be getting rid of DACA - a decision that affects almost 800,000 people, known as 'Dreamers', who entered the country illegally when they were minors.

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Published 12 September 2017 1:27pm
By Louise Cheer


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