Washington, D.C., November 25, 2025
A federal judge has dismissed criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, citing unlawful prosecution. Judge Cameron McGowan Currie ruled that prosecutor Lindsey Halligan was not legally appointed, rendering the charges invalid. This decision raises concerns about the politicization of the justice system, as the cases were initiated under pressure from President Trump. The Justice Department intends to appeal the ruling, although the statute of limitations in Comey’s case could complicate future actions.
Washington, D.C. – A federal judge has dismissed the criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, ruling that the prosecutor who brought the charges was unlawfully appointed. U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie determined that Lindsey Halligan, the interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, lacked the legal authority to present the indictments, rendering the charges invalid.
The cases against Comey and James were initiated under pressure from President Donald Trump, targeting two of his prominent political opponents. Judge Currie emphasized that Halligan’s appointment violated the U.S. Constitution’s Appointments Clause and federal law, as she was not confirmed by the Senate and had not been authorized by a federal court to serve beyond the initial 120-day period permitted for interim U.S. Attorneys. Consequently, all actions taken by Halligan, including the indictments, were deemed unlawful exercises of executive power and were set aside.
Both Comey and James had pleaded not guilty to the charges and criticized the prosecutions as politically motivated. The Justice Department, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, plans to appeal the dismissal. However, the statute of limitations in Comey’s case may hinder further prosecution. This ruling highlights concerns over the politicization of legal appointments and the integrity of the judicial process under the Trump administration.
Background on the Prosecutions
In October 2025, Letitia James, the Attorney General of New York, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Virginia on charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution. The indictment alleged that James misrepresented the nature of a property she purchased in Norfolk, Virginia, in 2020, to secure more favorable loan terms. James denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty during her arraignment on October 24, 2025. The trial was scheduled to begin on January 26, 2026. The charges were dismissed without prejudice on November 24, 2025.
Similarly, James Comey faced charges of lying to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding. These charges were also dismissed without prejudice on November 24, 2025, due to the unlawful appointment of the prosecutor.
Legal Implications
The dismissal of these cases underscores the importance of adhering to constitutional procedures in the appointment of federal prosecutors. The ruling serves as a reminder of the checks and balances designed to prevent the misuse of prosecutorial power for political purposes. The Justice Department’s intention to appeal indicates ongoing legal battles over the legitimacy of such appointments and the potential for future prosecutions.
Related Developments
In related news, the Trump administration continues to face criticism over its handling of legal appointments and the perceived politicization of the Department of Justice. The dismissal of these high-profile cases has intensified debates about the independence of the judiciary and the potential for political influence in legal proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the basis for the dismissal of the cases against James Comey and Letitia James?
The cases were dismissed because the prosecutor, Lindsey Halligan, was unlawfully appointed. Judge Cameron McGowan Currie ruled that Halligan lacked the legal authority to present the indictments, rendering the charges invalid.
What charges were brought against James Comey and Letitia James?
James Comey faced charges of lying to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding. Letitia James was indicted on charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution.
What does the dismissal mean for future prosecutions?
The dismissal highlights the necessity for proper legal procedures in the appointment of federal prosecutors. The Justice Department plans to appeal the decision, but the statute of limitations in Comey’s case may prevent further prosecution.
How does this ruling affect the Trump administration?
The ruling serves as a rebuke to the Trump administration’s efforts to target political opponents through legal means. It raises questions about the politicization of the Department of Justice and the integrity of the judicial process under the current administration.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendants | James Comey and Letitia James |
| Charges | Comey: Lying to Congress, Obstructing a Congressional Proceeding; James: Bank Fraud, Making False Statements to a Financial Institution |
| Prosecutor | Lindsey Halligan |
| Appointment of Prosecutor | Unlawfully appointed without Senate confirmation and beyond the authorized 120-day period for interim U.S. Attorneys |
| Judge’s Ruling | Dismissed charges without prejudice due to unlawful appointment of prosecutor |
| Justice Department’s Response | Plans to appeal the dismissal |
| Potential Impact on Future Prosecutions | Statute of limitations may prevent further prosecution, especially in Comey’s case |
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