Major Legal Victory for Comey and James as Judge Overturns Indictments
A federal judge has delivered a significant legal blow to the Trump administration by throwing out criminal cases against former FBI director James Comey and New York attorney general Letitia James. The ruling concluded that the prosecutor handling their cases had been unlawfully appointed, rendering the indictments invalid.
Judge Rules Prosecutor Lacked Lawful Authority
Judge Cameron McGowan Currie, who was appointed to the bench by Bill Clinton, determined that Lindsey Halligan had no lawful authority to present the indictment against the high-profile figures. Halligan had been named interim US attorney for the eastern district of Virginia by Trump in September 2025.
In her written opinion, Judge Currie stated: "I conclude that the attorney general's attempt to install Ms Halligan as interim US attorney for the eastern district of Virginia was invalid and that Ms Halligan has been unlawfully serving in that role since 22 September 2025."
Background of the Controversial Cases
The decision represents a major victory for both Comey and James, who had faced serious charges. James Comey was charged with lying to Congress five years ago, while Letitia James faced mortgage fraud allegations. Both had consistently denied any wrongdoing and characterised the cases as politically motivated attempts by the Trump administration to punish them for opposing the president.
The dismissal validates their claims that the prosecutions represented a thinly veiled effort to target political opponents through the justice system. Legal experts suggest this ruling could have broader implications for other cases handled by similarly appointed prosecutors during the Trump administration.
