Judge Dismisses Criminal Charges Against Former FBI Director Comey and NY Attorney General Letitia James

A U.S. judge has dismissed criminal charges filed against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, ruling that the prosecutor who brought the charges was appointed illegally.

Judge Cameron Currie stated that Lindsey Halligan, who filed the indictments, was personally selected by President Donald Trump but was never legally eligible to serve in that capacity. Both Comey and Letitia James had maintained from the beginning that the charges were politically motivated.

Following the ruling, the White House said the decision does not change the “facts” of the allegations and insisted the ruling is “not the final word.” Trump continued attacking Comey and James on social media, posting: “They are all totally guilty… We need justice now!!!”

Halligan, a former White House aide with no prior courtroom experience, had not been authorized to present cases to a grand jury. Judge Currie wrote that all actions stemming from her “invalid appointment” amounted to an illegal exercise of executive power and were therefore void—including the indictment against Comey.

Halligan had replaced Eric Seibert, who resigned in September under pressure from the Trump administration after refusing to file charges against Comey and James. The judge ruled Halligan’s appointment violated the federal Vacancies Reform Act. Under the law, the Attorney General could only make an interim appointment within 120 days from January 21—the day Seibert became acting U.S. Attorney. That window expired on May 21, making Halligan’s service after September 22 unlawful.

The case was dismissed without prejudice, meaning the Justice Department could refile charges in the future. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the DOJ will appeal, claiming Halligan’s appointment was lawful and accusing the judge of trying to “protect Comey and James.”

Reacting to the decision, Comey said he was grateful the “malicious and incompetent” case had ended but expected Trump would target him again. Trump had fired Comey during his first term after the FBI investigated Russian interference in the 2016 election. In September, Comey was charged with making false statements and obstructing justice—charges brought after Trump publicly demanded action.

Letitia James celebrated the ruling, saying she remained “fearless” and dedicated to fighting for New Yorkers. She had been accused of bank fraud and providing false information to financial institutions—charges filed before Trump won his second term, after which she became a regular target of the administration.