A U.S. federal judge has dismissed criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, ruling that the indictments were invalid because they were brought by a prosecutor whose appointment was unlawful.
The Ruling
On November 24, 2025, District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie threw out both cases, finding that Lindsey Halligan, a former personal attorney to President Donald Trump who was appointed interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, lacked legal authority to pursue the indictments. Currie concluded that “all actions flowing from Ms. Halligan’s defective appointment” were unlawful, including the charges against Comey and James Mint Iraqi News Yahoo News UK.
The Charges
- James Comey, 64, had been indicted on charges of making false statements to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding, linked to his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2020 Iraqi News ABC News.
- Letitia James, 67, who successfully prosecuted Trump in a civil fraud case earlier this year, faced charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution Iraqi News.
Both pleaded not guilty and argued the prosecutions were politically motivated.
Political Context
The dismissals represent a significant setback for Trump’s efforts to prosecute political opponents. Critics had described the cases as retributive justice, while supporters argued they were legitimate. The Department of Justice has indicated it may appeal the ruling, leaving open the possibility that charges could be refiled Fox News CBS News Sky News.
Wider Implications
Legal analysts say the decision underscores the importance of proper prosecutorial appointments and raises questions about the politicization of the justice system. The ruling also highlights ongoing tensions between Trump’s administration and officials who have challenged him in the past.
