Comey's termination invokes sharp reactions from U.S. Senate

United States President Donald Trump firing James Comey, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has invoked diverse, and sharp, reactions, mostly high profile.

Initial reactions to Comey's termination present an almost clear picture of the United States administrative hyperbola.

Edward Snowden, who was once targetted by the FBI, criticised the firing, saying, "every American should condemn such political interference in the Bureau's work."

Clinton's former vice presidential candidate tweeted, "Trump firing Comey shows how frightened the Admin is over Russia investigation."

While Senator Bob Casey called the termination "Nixonian" in a statement, several Democratic officials compared Trump's decision to Richard Nixon's "Saturday night massacre" when the president removed the special Watergate prosecutor, Archibald Cox, leading to the the resignation of attorney general Elliot Richardson, The Guardian reports.

Congressman Elijah Cummings, ranking member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, has called for "immediate emergency hearings" on Comey's termination, The Guardian reports.

John McCain, the Republican senator from Arizona, has been repeating his calls for a special congressional committee to investigate Russia ties.

GOP congressman and Freedom Caucus member Justin Amash has said he wanted an independent commission on Russia to be set up in the wake of Comey's sacking, The Guardian reports.

Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer has called for a special prosecutor, adding, "If we don't get a special prosecutor, every American will rightfully suspect that the decision to fire #Comey was part of a cover-up."

It is not just the Democrats who are concerned over the administration's treatment of Comey.

Republican senator and Trump supporter Richard Burr has been tweeting, citing he was troubled by the "timing and reasoning" of the termination.

However, Trump's controversial move found some support from Republicans even as more Democrat senators expressed disquiet over the sacking of Comey.

Senator Susan Collins released a statement says suggestions that the firing of Comey was related to the FBI's investigation of Russian attempts to influence the 2016 election were "misplaced".

Comey has been a polarizing figure whose decision to disclose an inquiry into Hillary Clinton's emails just before the election last year sparked widespread debate.

"While I greatly appreciate you informing me, on three separate occasions, that I am not under investigation, I nevertheless concur with the judgement of the Department of Justice that you are not able to effectively lead the Bureau," said the letter from Trump to Comey, citing his inefficiency as the foremost reason of his dismissal.

Comey has not yet released a statement on his firing.