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Comey, Trump and this ‘meddlesome priest’

WASHINGTON (USA Today) The phrase is attributed to Henry II, who wanted his archbishop of Canterbury killed.
Comey, Trump and this ‘meddlesome priest’
Former FBI Director James Comey testifies before a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on Russia's alleged interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on June 8, 2017. Photo courtesy of Reuters/Jonathan Ernst
Yonat Shimron

WASHINGTON (USA Today) James Comey likened President Trump’s suggestion to drop the Michael Flynn investigation to an English monarch’s indirect order to kill the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, asked whether Comey interpreted certain phrases  from the president of the United States, such as “I hope” or “I suggest,” as directives.

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“Yes. It kind of rings in my ears as, ‘Will no one rid me of this meddlesome priest?'” Comey replied.

Comey was quoting a well-known saying from Henry II. Back in 1170, the king of England was years into a quarrel with Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, over the rights of the church. Henry II is often quoted as saying, “Will no one rid of me of this turbulent priest?” His men interpreted this as the king wanting Becket dead. Soon after, Becket was assassinated.

Becket was later venerated as a saint:

(Jessica Estepa writes for USA Today)

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