(RNN) - Fired FBI Director James Comey released a written statement in advance of his 10 a.m. ET Thursday testimony before the U.S. Senate. Comey said he met with President Donald Trump in a Jan. 27 one-on-one setting at the White House where Trump asked him if he wanted to keep his job, and said, "I need loyalty, I expect loyalty."
Comey's appearance before the Senate Intelligence Committee will address the investigation into allegations that the Russians interfered with the 2016 presidential election.
Comey confirmed earlier reports that Trump told him he hoped the FBI could let go of the investigation into fired National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, who lied to Vice President Mike Pence about improper meetings with Russians before the president's inauguration.
Comey wrote that he told the president he could not be considered "reliable" in the way politicians use the word, but "he could always count on me to tell the truth." Comey said he was not on anyone's side politically, and could not be counted on in the traditional political sense, "A stance I said was in his best interest as the President."
After the president told Comey he needed loyalty, Comey said the two looked at each other in silence.
The meeting also addressed the unverified dossier published by Buzzfeed that contained salacious material regarding a Trump visit to Russia.
Here is Comey's statement in its entirety:
Copyright 2017 Raycom News Network. All rights reserved.
