Former FBI Director James Comey James Brien ComeyDemocrats fear Russia interference could spoil bid to retake Senate Book: FBI sex crimes investigator helped trigger October 2016 public probe of Clinton emails Trump jabs at FBI director over testimony on Russia, antifa MORE on Monday rejected President Trump Donald John TrumpOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Pelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate MORE's characterization of him as a "liar" and a "leaker," telling Axios in an interview that he never leaked classified materials while running the agency.

Comey said that he defines a "leak" as the disclosure of protected information.

"I never leaked in office," Comey said while adding that leaks and media coverage from special counsel Robert Mueller Robert (Bob) MuellerCNN's Toobin warns McCabe is in 'perilous condition' with emboldened Trump CNN anchor rips Trump over Stone while evoking Clinton-Lynch tarmac meeting The Hill's 12:30 Report: New Hampshire fallout MORE's Russia investigation should be looked at skeptically.

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"Nothing is coming from the people who know what they're talking about."

Trump has recently been on the attack against Comey over his media appearances and promotion of his best-selling book, "A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership." The president claims the FBI chief leaked classified information when he released the contents of a personal memo he wrote detailing his interactions with Trump.

The president tweeted that Comey "should be prosecuted" last week over the memos' release.

"James Comey is a proven LEAKER & LIAR. Virtually everyone in Washington thought he should be fired for the terrible job he did-until he was, in fact, fired. He leaked CLASSIFIED information, for which he should be prosecuted," Trump said on Twitter.

In the wide-ranging interview with Axios, Comey went on to reject claims from Republicans and right-wing critics of a "Deep State" conspiracy within the U.S. intelligence community working to defeat Trump.

"There is no Deep State, but there is a deep culture and commitment to the rule of law" running through the intelligence community and military, Comey said.

Despite the barrage of attacks from the president, Comey said he doesn't "hate" Trump or members of his administration.

"It's important that we remember who we are," Comey said. "Hate their actions, but don't give that person that central of a role in your life."