Comey gets a pat on the back from Trump

President Donald Trump shakes hands with James Comey, director of the FBI, during an inaugural reception in the Blue Room of the White House. Photo / Washington Post, Bloomberg

FBI Director James Comey, who infuriated Democrats during the campaign drama over Hillary Clinton's email, got a pat on the back today from President Donald Trump.

Comey was among those attending a White House reception to honour law enforcement officers and first responders for their work on Trump's inauguration.

When Trump saw Comey across the Blue Room, he summoned him to come over.

"He's become more famous than me," Trump said to those ringing the room as Comey strode in his direction.

The two men shook hands and as Comey leaned in toward Trump, the President patted him on the back a few times.

Comey came under fire from Democrats for sending a letter to congressional leaders shortly before the November 8 election that announced he was resuming an investigation related to Clinton's use of a private email server while secretary of state.

Clinton, the Democratic nominee, has since cited the development as a factor in her defeat by Trump, the new Republican president.

"The inauguration was such a success, and such a safety success, and we want to thank you all, because it was really a very, very special experience," Trump said earlier as he addressed those attending the reception.

He congratulated retired General John Kelly, who was in the room and had just been sworn in as Trump's secretary of homeland security.

And before summoning Comey, Trump paid tribute to Joseph Clancy, director of the Secret Service, which is tasked with protecting the president and leading presidential candidates.

"There's the man," Trump said. "C'mon. Get over here. ... From day one, I have felt safe."

Clancy got a hearty handshake.

"He's become more famous than me": Trump shakes hands with FBI Director James Comey at law enforcement reception https://t.co/o3NEPUHAoc pic.twitter.com/GHIa5hYOTE

— NBC News (@NBCNews) January 22, 2017