Criminal Cases Against Comey and James Dismissed Over Illegal Prosecutor Appointment; Attorney General Bondi Vows Further Action
Federal judges dismissed criminal cases against James Comey and Letitia James due to an illegally appointed prosecutor. Attorney General Pam Bondi vows further legal action against them.
The Appointments Clause Trips Up Trump
New York Sun
BREAKING: Judge tosses James Comey, Letitia James indictments
The Post Millennial
Judge finds prosecutor in Comey and James cases unlawfully appointed
Washington Examiner
Overview
- Federal judges dismissed criminal cases against James Comey and Letitia James, citing the unlawful appointment of Lindsey Halligan as Interim U.S. Attorney by the Trump administration.
- Two judges, including U.S. District Judge Cameron Currie, ruled Halligan's appointment invalid and illegal, violating federal laws and the Constitution's Appointments Clause, leading to procedural dismissals.
- Comey faced charges for false statements and obstruction related to 2020 Russian election meddling testimony, while James was indicted for mortgage and bank-fraud counts.
- Both Comey and James claimed the prosecutions were flawed and vindictive; a majority of Americans reportedly believe these cases against Trump's foes were unjustified.
- U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has called for legal action, warning Comey and James that the Department of Justice is not finished and intends to appeal the dismissals.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the story neutrally by presenting the judge's ruling and its legal basis without editorializing. They include direct quotes from all key parties—Comey, James, the White House, and Attorney General Bondi—allowing readers to understand diverse perspectives. Factual background on the prosecutor's appointment and legal arguments from both sides are also provided, ensuring balanced reporting.
"The ruling said the prosecutor overseeing their cases was appointed unlawfully, rejecting arguments the Trump administration has used to install loyalists as prosecutors across the country."
Semafor"The rulings from U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie halt at least for now a pair of prosecutions that had targeted two of the president’s most high-profile political opponents and amount to a stunning rebuke of the Trump administration’s legal maneuvering to install an inexperienced and loyalist prosecutor willing to file the cases."
Chicago Sun-Times"Trump's decision to replace Siebert with Halligan was a desperate move driven by personal vendettas."
Reason"The judge ruled that the appointment of the prosecutor in the case was invalid."
ABC News"The rulings from U.S. District Judge Cameron Currie are a significant victory for Comey and James, who both argued their prosecutions are retaliatory and motivated by President Trump's efforts to punish his political foes."
CBS News"The decision by U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie is a blow to the Trump administration, in a case widely seen as an effort to enact retribution against the president’s enemies."
Deadline"The indictments were dismissed in a way that permits the Justice Department to attempt to secure new charges."
USA TODAY"The decision from U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie on the appointment of Lindsey Halligan as the top prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia marks a significant setback to efforts to go after the president's perceived political enemies."
NPR"The rulings from U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie halt at least for now a pair of prosecutions that had hastened concerns that the Justice Department was being weaponized to pursue the president’s political adversaries and amount to a stunning rebuke of the Trump administration’s legal maneuvering to install a loyal, and inexperienced, prosecutor willing to file the cases."
Associated Press"The invalidation of Halligan’s appointment was fatal to the Comey and James indictments because of the unique role Halligan played in the cases against two of Trump’s political enemies, but it could have ripple effects on other cases that were handled under more typical processes."
NBC NewsArticles (40)
Center (10)
FAQ
Lindsey Halligan was appointed by former President Trump as the interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia to prosecute cases against James Comey and Letitia James, despite having no prior prosecutorial experience and an appointment later ruled illegal.
Federal judges dismissed the cases because Lindsey Halligan's appointment as interim U.S. Attorney was deemed unlawful and invalid, violating federal laws and the Appointments Clause of the Constitution, leading to procedural dismissals.
Comey faced charges of making false statements and obstruction related to his 2020 testimony on Russian election interference, while Letitia James was indicted on counts of mortgage and bank fraud.
Pam Bondi vowed further legal action, stating that the Department of Justice is not finished and intends to appeal the dismissals against Comey and James.
A majority of Americans reportedly believe that these cases against Trump’s foes, including Comey and James, were unjustified and politically motivated.
History
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