Major Legal Blow for Trump as Judge Throws Out Cases
In a significant legal defeat for Donald Trump, a US federal judge has dismissed criminal cases against former FBI director James Comey and New York attorney general Letitia James. The rulings, delivered on Monday by US District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie, halted proceedings that had been personally urged by the former US President.
Illegal Appointment Halts Prosecutions
The central issue concerned the appointment of Lindsey Halligan as interim US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. Judge Currie ruled that the Trump administration had no legal authority to appoint Halligan, a former White House aide with no prior prosecutorial experience, after the 120-day period for such appointments had expired.
Defence lawyers successfully argued that once this period lapsed following the resignation of previous interim attorney Erik Siebert, the law gave federal judges exclusive authority to appoint a replacement. All actions stemming from Halligan's defective appointment were declared unlawful exercises of executive power and subsequently set aside.
Political Context and Reactions
The cases emerged from Mr Trump's long-standing public attacks against both figures. James Comey, appointed FBI director by Barack Obama in 2013, was overseeing the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election when Mr Trump fired him in May 2017. Letitia James had previously won a lawsuit against Mr Trump and the Trump Organization concerning fraudulent property valuations.
Following the ruling, Mr Comey described the prosecution as based on malevolence and incompetence, calling it heartbreaking for the justice department. Ms James said she felt heartened by the victory and remained fearless against what she termed baseless charges.
The White House responded by indicating the rulings would not be the final word, with Attorney General Pam Bondi promising an immediate appeal. Importantly, the judge's decision didn't address the substance of allegations against either individual, leaving open the possibility for prosecutors to refile charges through proper legal channels.
