The White House has also claimed people within the FBI had lost confidence and trust in Comey. But on Thursday, acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe rejected these claims when questioned by New Mexico Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich at a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing.

Sen. Martin Heinrich: “We’ve heard in the news that—claims that Director Comey had—had lost the confidence of rank-and-file FBI employees. You’ve been there for 21 years. In your opinion, is it accurate that the rank and file no longer supported Director Comey.”

Andrew McCabe: “No, sir, that is not accurate. Director Comey enjoyed broad support within the FBI and still does to this day.”

White House officials have abandoned a plan for Trump to visit the FBI headquarters within the coming days, after being told the president would not be welcomed or well received at the agency. New details also have emerged about how Trump summoned Comey for a private dinner in January and reportedly demanded Comey pledge his loyalty to Trump. The New York Times reports Comey promised Trump honesty instead. The White House has rejected this account.