The U.S. Justice Department has filed criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey, marking a dramatic escalation in President Donald Trump’s campaign against his political opponents.
Comey, who was fired by Trump in 2017, faces charges of making false statements and obstructing a congressional investigation. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison.
In a video posted on Instagram, Comey declared his innocence: “My heart is broken for the Department of Justice, but I have great confidence in the federal judicial system, and I’m innocent. So, let’s have a trial and keep the faith.” His attorney, Patrick J. Fitzgerald, said in a statement that Comey “denies the charges in their entirety” and vowed to contest them in court.
Trump celebrates indictment
Trump, who has long vowed to prosecute rivals, hailed the indictment on social media with the words: “JUSTICE IN AMERICA! He has been so bad for our Country, for so long.”
Since returning to office in January, Trump has pressed Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate opponents including New York Attorney General Letitia James and former national security adviser John Bolton. The charges against Comey are the first successful indictment of one of Trump’s long-standing adversaries.
A statue of Lady Justice stands at the entrance of Albert V. Bryan courthouse, home of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, in Alexandria, Virginia, U.S., September 25, 2025. REUTERS/Al Drago
Internal dissent at Justice Department
The case has deepened tensions inside the Justice Department. Erik Siebert, the top federal prosecutor in Virginia overseeing the matter, resigned last week after questioning the strength of the evidence. Career prosecutors had also privately warned the charges lacked sufficient merit, sources told Reuters.
Despite this, U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan — a former Trump defense lawyer and White House adviser — personally presented evidence to the grand jury. In an unusual move, the grand jury declined to indict Comey on one of the proposed charges, suggesting doubts over the prosecution’s case.
The indictment focuses on Comey’s 2020 congressional testimony, where prosecutors allege he misled lawmakers about authorizing anonymous disclosures related to the FBI’s Russia investigation.
Family fallout and political backlash
The charges have already rippled through Comey’s family. His son-in-law, senior national security prosecutor Troy Edwards, resigned in protest, citing his “oath to the Constitution and country.” His daughter, Maureen Comey, was fired as a Manhattan federal prosecutor earlier this year and has since filed a lawsuit claiming political retaliation.
Critics have denounced the prosecution as politically motivated. Norm Eisen, a former government ethics official, called it “a vindictive and meritless prosecution” that undermines decades of efforts to shield U.S. law enforcement from political pressure.
A document indicting former FBI Director James Comey on criminal charges of false statements and obstruction, in Washington, D.C., U.S., September 25, 2025. REUTERS/Suheir Sheikh
Long-running feud
Comey and Trump have had a bitter relationship since the start of Trump’s first term. Comey was dismissed in 2017 after confirming the president was under investigation over ties to Russia. His firing led to the appointment of special counsel Robert Mueller, whose investigation uncovered extensive contacts between Trump’s campaign and Russian officials but did not establish a criminal conspiracy.
Trump has repeatedly dismissed the probe as a “witch hunt.” His administration has since sought to dismantle the conclusions of U.S. intelligence agencies regarding Russian interference in the 2016 election.
With Comey now facing trial, the clash between Trump and his former FBI chief has entered its most consequential phase yet.
