US President Donald Trump says the FBI will have a new director by late this week.

President Trump has faced immense criticism following the sacking of James Comey, with former director of national intelligence James Clapper calling it an assault on democracy.

One News US correspondent Rebecca Wright told Rachel Smalley President Trump is feeling the heat.

"The backlash has easily made this his worst week in office yet, and he seemed to acknowledge that yesterday when he was giving his first commencement speech to a bunch of graduating students."

Wright said President Trump appears to blame White House press secretary Sean Spicer for much of the fallout.

"Because of his performance, or lack of performance, last week when he was accused of hiding in the bushes as he tried to scramble and come up with a plan to explain this FBI firing."

LISTEN ABOVE AS REBECCA WRIGHT SPEAKS WITH RACHEL SMALLEY