WASHINGTON — A federal judge has dismissed the indictments against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, ruling that the special prosecutor appointed by President Donald Trump had been improperly selected — a decision that effectively wipes out both cases but leaves room for future legal action.
A Prosecutor’s Appointment Ruled Invalid
In her decision, the judge invalidated the appointment of Lindsey Halligan, the prosecutor chosen by the Trump administration to pursue the charges. Because Halligan's appointment was deemed unlawful, the court ordered the dismissal of the prosecutions in both cases.
The ruling follows a hearing last week during which the judge expressed deep skepticism about the legality of Halligan’s designation, promising to issue a decision before Thanksgiving. While the judge allowed the Department of Justice to file new indictments, the statute of limitations for the allegations against Comey expired at the end of September — making future prosecution unlikely.
Allegations of Political Retaliation
Both Comey and Letitia James had previously asked the court to dismiss the charges, arguing they were driven by Trump’s “personal vendetta.” The judge has not yet addressed these arguments.
The now-dismissed prosecutions stem from a broader pattern of political pressure. In September, Trump publicly pressed his attorney general, Pam Bondi, questioning on Truth Social why Comey, James, and a Democratic senator had not been indicted. After forcing the resignation of the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Trump appointed Halligan, a White House adviser, to the influential position.
Trump’s Retaliatory Mission
Throughout his campaign, Trump repeatedly vowed to punish perceived political enemies if returned to power. Comey, fired abruptly by Trump in 2017 while the FBI investigated possible Russian interference in the 2016 election, became the first such figure indicted under Trump’s renewed presidency. He faced charges of obstruction of justice and false statements, accused of lying under oath about anonymous sourcing authorized within the FBI.
Letitia James, meanwhile, was indicted on October 9 for alleged false statements tied to a bank loan. James has long been a target for Trump: in February 2024, she secured a civil judgment ordering him to pay $450 million (including interest) for financial fraud and asset inflation. Although the penalty was later reduced by an appeals court, the core conviction remained, fueling Trump’s promise to “make her pay” if he returned to the White House.
FAQs
1. Why were the charges against James Comey and Letitia James dismissed?
Because the judge ruled that prosecutor Lindsey Halligan was improperly appointed, invalidating the indictments.
2. Can the Department of Justice refile charges?
Yes, but the statute of limitations for the case against Comey has already expired, making re-indictment unlikely.
3. Why were Comey and Letitia James targeted?
Both have a history of clashing with Donald Trump and argue the charges were driven by political retaliation.
4. What was Letitia James’ earlier case against Trump?
She won a major civil fraud ruling against him in 2024, resulting in a $450 million judgment later reduced but upheld.
5. Is Lindsey Halligan still involved in these cases?
No. Her appointment has been invalidated, and she can no longer oversee the prosecutions.
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