Key Takeaways
- Federal judge dismisses criminal cases against James Comey and Letitia James
- Ruling finds prosecutor Lindsey Halligan was illegally appointed
- Decision represents major rebuke of Trump administration tactics
- Cases dismissed without prejudice, leaving door open for potential refiling
A federal judge has dismissed criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, ruling that the prosecutor who brought the charges was illegally appointed by the Justice Department at President Donald Trump’s urging.
The decision by U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie represents a significant judicial rebuke of the Trump administration’s efforts to target political opponents through questionable legal maneuvers.
Illegal Appointment of Prosecutor
The judge determined that Lindsey Halligan, a former White House aide with no prosecutorial experience, was improperly appointed to lead one of the Justice Department’s most important offices. Halligan replaced interim U.S. attorney Erik Siebert, who was forced out amid pressure from the Trump administration to file charges against Comey and James.
Comey’s lawyers had argued that federal court judges should have had exclusive authority to fill the vacancy after Siebert’s resignation. Instead, Trump nominated Halligan while publicly demanding action against his political opponents on social media, declaring “JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!”
Charges and Legal Context
Comey was indicted days later on charges of making false statements and obstructing Congress, while James faced mortgage fraud charges. The judge’s ruling makes Halligan the latest Trump administration prosecutor disqualified due to appointment irregularities.
Although both defendants sought dismissal with prejudice, preventing future prosecution, the judge dismissed the cases without prejudice. This leaves open the possibility, however uncertain, that the Justice Department could attempt to revive the prosecutions.
Broader Legal Pattern
Judges have separately disqualified interim U.S. attorneys in New Jersey, Los Angeles and Nevada, though permitted their cases to continue. However, Comey and James’s lawyers argued for stronger action since Halligan was the sole signer and driving force behind their indictments.
Background of Political Conflicts
Comey has long been one of Trump’s chief antagonists. Appointed FBI director by President Barack Obama in 2013, Comey was overseeing the Russia investigation during Trump’s 2016 election campaign. Trump fired Comey in May 2017, sparking years of public conflict.
James has also frequently drawn Trump’s ire, particularly after winning a massive judgment against him and the Trump Organization for fraudulently overstating real estate values. While an appeals court overturned the $500+ million fine, it upheld the fraud finding.
