Comey lauds McCabe, says 'stood tall'

Former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) James Comey has heaped praises on outgoing FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe after the news of his departure surfaced.

"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. 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," Comey, lettered in a Twitter post.

McCabe, 49, is stepping down immediately, two months before he was supposed to retire.

McCabe oversaw the investigation into former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. The GOP had accused him of a conflict of interest in the case.

McCabe was targeted personally and publicly by President Trump himself regarding campaign donations McCabe's wife received from former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, a longtime Clinton supporter, for her failed bid for a Virginia state Senate seat as a Democrat.

Comey, who was fired by Trump last May, appointed McCabe to be deputy director in January 2016.