The FBI on Sunday lifted the threat that Hillary Clinton might face charges over her private email server -- dropping a campaign bombshell 36 hours before her White House showdown with Donald Trump. 

The Democrats camp welcomed the news that FBI Director James Comey had decided not to change his July recommendation that she not be prosecuted for putting US secrets at risk while serving as secretary of state. 

But, as both candidates criss-crossed swing states in a last desperate scramble before Tuesdays election, the 11th-hour decision by the Federal Bureau of Investigation refocused attention on an issue that has dogged Clintons bid. 

Were glad that this matter is resolved, her campaign director Jennifer Palmieri told reporters aboard the 69-year-olds plane. 

Trumps camp reacted with bitter annoyance. 

Campaign manager Kellyanne Conway told Fox News that Co .. 

Late last month, with Clinton seemingly on a glide path to victory, Comey sent shockwaves through both campaigns by announcing a renewed FBI investigation in Clintons email use. 

In July, the Justice Department, acting on the FBIs recommendation, decided not to prosecute Clinton over her use of a private server for official emails while she was Washingtons top diplomat. 

But, after a previously undiscovered batch of mails was found on a laptop belonging to the husband of one of Clintons key aides, Comey warned lawmakers he was revisiting the case

Trump, the 70-year-old property tycoon and Republican flag-bearer, seized on the opening, condemning Clintons criminal scheme and arguing that she was unfit to be president. 

Opinion polls tightened as Trump began to recover ground he lost after several women accused him of sexual assault, and the race looked headed for a photo finish.