Former FBI Director James Comey has been hit with an indictment by the Department of Justice, facing one count of making false statements and one count of obstruction.
The charges mark a historic moment, as Comey becomes the first former senior government official to face prosecution tied to the long-concluded investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Attorney General Confirms Charges
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the indictment in a social media post Thursday evening. She emphasized, “No one is above the law.
Today’s indictment reflects this Department of Justice’s commitment to holding those who abuse positions of power accountable for misleading the American people. We will follow the facts in this case.”
The Daily Mail has reached out to both the Department of Justice and the FBI for additional comment.
Political Context and Trump’s Role
Comey has been a persistent critic of Donald Trump since being fired in 2017, and he has long been a target for Trump and his supporters.
The Russian investigation, often labeled by Trump as a “hoax” and a “witch hunt,” is central to the former president’s grievances.
Multiple government reviews have confirmed Moscow’s interference in the 2016 election to benefit Trump’s campaign.
The criminal case against Comey has raised concerns that the Justice Department, under Bondi—a known Trump ally—may be used as a tool against political opponents.
Critics warn that the administration’s influence over DOJ operations is blurring the line between law and politics, challenging the agency’s foundational principle of prosecutorial independence.
Trump’s Direct Pressure on Justice Department
The indictment comes amid unprecedented White House involvement in DOJ decisions. Comey had been specifically mentioned by Trump in social media posts, where the former president criticized Bondi for not pursuing charges against him.
Trump also announced plans to nominate Lindsey Halligan, a White House aide and one of his personal lawyers, to serve as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia—a position requiring federal prosecutorial experience she does not possess.
Potential Implications
Comey’s indictment is likely to intensify the political tensions surrounding the Justice Department and fuel debates about whether prosecutorial decisions are being influenced by political considerations.
The case is also expected to deepen the already charged divide between Trump supporters and critics over the handling of investigations tied to the former president.
This is a developing story, and further updates are expected as more details emerge.