James Comey Moves to Dismiss Federal Case, Citing Trump’s ‘Personal Vendetta’

Former FBI Director James Comey has launched two major legal efforts to have the federal charges against him dismissed, arguing that the prosecution is both politically motivated and legally flawed.

Comey’s defense team filed motions Monday contending that the case stems from what they describe as President Donald Trump’s “personal vendetta” and that the indictment should be thrown out because the U.S. attorney who brought the charges was unlawfully appointed.

Comey faces two counts—lying and obstruction—in a case initiated by Trump’s Justice Department in late September. He has pleaded not guilty to both. His attorneys claim Trump directly ordered the prosecution to punish Comey for his public criticism, pointing to a social media post in which Trump wrote, “JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!”

The legal bar for proving vindictive prosecution is high, but Comey’s lawyers are asking U.S. District Judge Michael Nachmanoff for permission to investigate internal Justice Department communications to support their claims. They argue that career prosecutors previously found insufficient evidence to justify charges, but were overruled under political pressure.

In a separate filing, Comey’s attorneys argue that the indictment is invalid because Trump unlawfully appointed Lindsey Halligan as interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. They contend her appointment came after Trump’s authority to name an interim prosecutor had expired, rendering her actions—including signing the indictment—invalid.

The court will now decide whether to allow Comey’s requests for further discovery or proceed toward trial.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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