Comey calls out 'small people' trying to 'tear down' the FBI in tweet honoring McCabe

Responding to news that former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe was stepping down a month early amid pressure from the White House, former bureau director James Comey took aim at the "small people" who want to bring their shared ex-employer down.

"Special Agent Andrew McCabe stood tall over the last 8 months, when small people were trying to tear down an institution we all depend on," Comey tweeted. "He served with distinction for two decades. I wish Andy well. I also wish continued strength for the rest of the FBI. America needs you."

Despite being appointed to lead the FBI after President Donald Trump fired Comey last year, McCabe drew the president's ire due to his relationship to his former boss. After news broke that McCabe was retiring a month ahead of his scheduled retirement, NBC News reported that Trump at one point called the former deputy director to vent about Comey using a government plane the day after he fired him, only to end up calling his subordinate's wife a "loser" over her recent campaign loss.