The president cited Comey’s handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation as the reason behind his decision, but Democrats were quick to cry foul, and there were determined demands for a special prosecutor to be appointed to oversee the Russia inquiry.
Mr Comey, 56, was nominated by Mr Trump's predecessor Barack Obama in 2013 for a 10-year term, having served three decades in law enforcement.
Many were surprised by Mr Trump's decision to keep Mr Comey and some saw it as a reward for his role in damaging the presidential campaign of Democratic rival Hillary Clinton by reopening an investigation into her email practices as secretary of state.
But in March, Mr Comey took aim at Mr Trump during a hearing on Russia's alleged meddling in the election.
He confirmed the FBI was investigating the allegations and Russia's possible connections with Mr Trump's campaign.
He also denied Mr Trump's claim that he had been monitored by Mr Obama.
Edited by: Endy Edeson
Photo News Editor: Endy Edeson
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FACEBOOK COMMENTS
Endy Edeson
Jeremiah: Politics is full of drama. Is either you are with the "RULER" or you are out @adeyinka: that show is playing out now
Odeyemi Oluwasola
if na buhari nw we knw go hear word again