What's happened
As of November 20, 2025, former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James are challenging criminal charges in Virginia federal court, arguing that their prosecutions are politically motivated and stem from former President Trump's direct pressure on the Justice Department. The legitimacy of interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan's appointment, who brought the indictments, is central to their defense.
What's behind the headline?
Political Retaliation or Legitimate Prosecution?
The prosecutions of James Comey and Letitia James highlight a rare and contentious intersection of law and politics. The defendants argue that the cases are vindictive, driven by Trump's personal vendettas, especially given his public calls for their prosecution and the unusual appointment of Lindsey Halligan, a former Trump personal lawyer with no prosecutorial experience.
Appointment Controversy Undermines Case Credibility
Halligan's rapid installation following the forced resignation of her predecessor, Erik Siebert, raises serious questions about the independence of the Justice Department. Legal experts note that interim U.S. Attorneys typically require Senate confirmation for permanent roles, and Halligan's appointment bypassed this, potentially invalidating the indictments she secured.
Legal Hurdles and Judicial Skepticism
Motions to dismiss on grounds of vindictive prosecution are notoriously difficult to win, requiring clear proof of animus. However, the explicit public statements by Trump labeling Comey and James with derogatory terms and demanding their prosecution provide unusually strong evidence. Additionally, the presiding judge has expressed skepticism about the prosecution's case, particularly regarding incomplete grand jury transcripts.
Broader Implications for Justice and Political Norms
These cases underscore the risks when political influence penetrates prosecutorial decisions, threatening the impartiality of the justice system. The outcomes will set precedents on how courts handle claims of politically motivated prosecutions and the limits of presidential influence over federal law enforcement.
What to Expect Next
Decisions on the legality of Halligan's appointment and motions to dismiss are expected soon, with trial dates set for early 2026. The cases will continue to draw national attention, reflecting broader tensions over the rule of law and political accountability in the U.S.
What the papers say
Alan Feuer of The New York Times details how Comey's legal team, led by Patrick J. Fitzgerald, plans to argue that the Justice Department was "taken captive" by Trump's desire for political revenge, highlighting Trump's public demands for prosecution and the unusual appointment of Lindsey Halligan. Al Jazeera reports on the November 13 hearing where Judge Cameron McGowan Currie expressed skepticism about the prosecution's case and noted the absence of full grand jury transcripts, emphasizing the legal challenge to Halligan's appointment as interim U.S. Attorney. Priscilla DeGregory in the NY Post describes Halligan's background as a former Trump personal lawyer with no prosecutorial experience and how Comey's lawyers argue this supports claims of political motivation. The New York Times also covers Letitia James's defense, which points to a "spree of venomous statements" by Trump and his allies as evidence of retaliatory prosecution. Meanwhile, The Independent and AP News provide context on Trump's broader legal battles and his campaign against critics, including public insults and social media posts urging prosecutions. These sources collectively illustrate a legal battle deeply entwined with political conflict, with courts now scrutinizing the legitimacy of prosecutorial appointments and the motivations behind high-profile indictments.
How we got here
In September 2025, President Trump pressured the Justice Department to prosecute his critics, leading to the appointment of Lindsey Halligan as interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. Halligan swiftly indicted Comey and James, both outspoken Trump opponents. Their legal teams argue the prosecutions are retaliatory and that Halligan's appointment was unlawful after her predecessor was forced out.
Go deeper
- What are the main legal arguments against Lindsey Halligan's appointment?
- How has former President Trump influenced these prosecutions?
- What are the potential outcomes of these cases for the justice system?
Common question
-
What Are the Charges Against James Comey?
James Comey, the former FBI Director, is facing serious legal trouble with upcoming criminal charges. Many are wondering what exactly he's accused of, why this case has emerged now, and what it could mean for politics and justice. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding Comey's legal situation and what it signifies in the broader political landscape.
-
How Are International Tensions Shaping Today's News?
Recent headlines reveal a world on edge, with nations resuming nuclear tests and high-profile legal cases stirring global concern. Understanding these developments helps us grasp the bigger picture of international stability and what it means for everyday people. Below, we explore key questions about these stories and what they signify for global peace and security.
-
What’s the latest on FBI leaks and James Comey’s trial?
Recent legal battles involving former FBI Director James Comey have sparked widespread interest. With allegations of media leaks, political bias, and procedural irregularities, many are wondering what the current status of the case is and what it means for accountability and justice. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this high-profile trial and the broader implications for the FBI and political landscape.
More on these topics
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
James Brien Comey Jr. is an American lawyer who was the 7th director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 until his dismissal in May 2017.
-
Letitia Ann "Tish" James is an American lawyer, activist, and politician. She is a member of the Democratic Party, and is the Attorney General of New York having won the 2018 election to succeed appointed attorney general Barbara Underwood.
-
Pamela Jo Bondi is an American attorney, lobbyist, and politician. A Republican, she served as the 37th Florida Attorney General from 2011 to 2019.
-
Rafael Edward "Ted" Cruz is a Canadian-born American politician and attorney serving as the junior United States Senator from Texas since 2013. He was a candidate for the Republican nomination for President of the United States in the 2016 election.
Cruz
-
Samuel Benjamin Bankman-Fried (born March 5, 1992), commonly known as SBF, is an American entrepreneur who was convicted of fraud and related crimes in November 2023. Bankman-Fried founded the FTX cryptocurrency exchange and was celebrated as a "poster..
-
The United States Department of Justice, also known as the Justice Department, is a federal executive department of the United States government responsible for the enforcement of the law and administration of justice in the United States, and is equivale
-
The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the federal judiciary of the United States of America. It has ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all federal and state court cases that involve a point of federal law, and original jurisdict
-
Elizabeth Jean Carroll (born December 12, 1943) is an American journalist, author, and advice columnist. Her "Ask E. Jean" column appeared in Elle magazine from 1993 through 2019, becoming one of the longest-running advice columns in American publishing..
-
Robert Hunter Biden is an American lawyer and investment advisor who is the second son of former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden. He is a founding partner of Rosemont Seneca Partners, an investment and advisory firm.
Biden served on the board of Burisma Hol
-
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the domestic intelligence and security service of the United States and its principal federal law enforcement agency.
-
The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit is one of the thirteen United States Courts of Appeals. Its territory comprises the states of Connecticut, New York, and Vermont.