Comey: Trump Called Russian Investigation 'Cloud' Over Presidency

Fire FBI Director James Comey is set to testify before the Senate Intelligence committee Thursday. His prepared statement was released Wednesday afternoon.

News On 6 plans to live stream the testimony.

Comey said President Donald Trump told him the Russia investigation was creating a "cloud" over his presidency.  And Comey said the president asked him what they could do to "lift the cloud."

This was in a phone call on March 30 -- according to written testimony Comey submitted ahead of an appearance Thursday before the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Comey also said Trump told him that he "had nothing to do with Russia" and "had not been involved with hookers in Russia." Comey said he told the president that the bureau was investigating the matter as quickly as possible.

Comey will also say in his opening statement to a congressional hearing that President Donald Trump told him, "I need loyalty. I expect loyalty," during a January dinner.

In the statement, Comey says he and Trump dined together privately in January. During the meal, he says Trump asked him if he wanted to remain on as FBI director. Comey says he replied that he wanted to serve out his ten-year term and "was not on anybody's side politically."

Comey says Trump then made his statement about loyalty.

Trump abruptly fired Comey last month.