President Trump Fires FBI Director James Comey

President Donald Trump has fired James Comey, the man who was leading an investigation into whether members of the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to influence the 2016 presidential election.

Comey had served as director of the FBI since September of 2013.

"While I greatly appreciate you informing me, on three separate occasions, that I am not under investigation, I nevertheless concur with the judgment of the Department of Justice that you are not able to effectively lead the Bureau," Trump wrote in a letter to Comey.

Dow futures initially fell about 30 points following the news, while VIX futures were nearly unchanged.

As The Washington Post noted, Comey's counterintelligence investigation was "to determine whether associates of President Trump may have coordinated with Russia to meddle with the presidential election last year. That probe began quietly last July but has now become the subject of intense debate in Washington. It is unclear how Comey’s dismissal will affect that investigation."

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White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters President Trump "accepted the recommendation of the deputy attorney general and the attorney general," who both recommended Comey's "dismissal."

The search for a new FBI director will begin immediately, according to the White House.

President Trump concluded his letter to Comey with line that has become quite familiar to fans of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. WWE -- a company with whom Trump has a very close relationship -- whenever a WWE performer is fired:

"I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors."