Freeh, Clinton Display Strained Relations

By Terry Frieden/CNN

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, Dec. 16) -- The strained relationship between President Bill Clinton and FBI Director Louis Freeh went on full display Tuesday as first Freeh and then Clinton were questioned by reporters on the rift between the White House and the head of the government's top law enforcement agency.

Freeh, asked his reaction to recent White House criticism, appeared to take a swipe at the president's inner circle, saying, "My job is not to make people happy or please them or be a loyal subordinate when that conflicts with what I think my job is."

Freeh further dismissed the critical White House comments, saying, "I don't think they have any impact one way or another."

Hours later at his afternoon press conference, Clinton bypassed an obvious opportunity to show support for the FBI director. Asked whether he still has confidence in Freeh, the president responded, "On this confidence business, I think there's been too much back and forth on that. And I don't want to get into it."

Top FBI officials were aware of the president's comments but declined to respond to them.

FBI executives have made it known for months that Freeh goes through Attorney General Janet Reno when he needs to communicate with the White House.

After Freeh's personal support for an independent counsel to investigate Democratic fund-raising became public, White House press secretary Mike McCurry appeared to question Freeh's competence, bluntly declaring, "The president thinks the director is doing the best job he can."

Although Clinton appointed Freeh to a 10-year term in 1993, it is unclear whether Freeh will serve out the full term. It is widely believed any White House effort to pressure Freeh to leave would be met with an outcry from many leading Republicans on Capitol Hill.

Reno, who has a strong working relationship with Freeh, also has gone out of her way to praise his performance.

However, Freeh today once again raised the possibility he may decide on his own to leave his post before his term expires. Freeh, asked about his plans, told reporters, "I'll serve here as long as I can be effective in the job."

But then, as he has done many times, said he must consider his family obligations. Freeh and his wife are expecting their sixth child this winter. "I have another baby on the way, and that will obviously be a factor," Freeh said.

Freeh, as a former FBI agent, assistant U.S. Attorney, and federal judge, has reportedly received lucrative private-sector offers in recent years. He has seen a string of his deputy directors depart for high-paying jobs, and has indicated repeatedly that while he very much likes his job, he may have to make a similar move.

In Other News:

Tuesday Dec. 16, 1997

• Clinton Declares '97 'A Banner Year'
• Reno Not Expanding Casino Investigation
• Report: Separate The Sexes In Military Training
• Reno Defends Lee Decision
• Judge Dismisses Four Charges Against Espy
• Freeh, Clinton Display Strained Relations
• Freeh: 'No Closed Aspects' To Campaign Task Force Probe