A federal judge has dismissed the criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, ruling that the prosecutor who brought the charges—Lindsey Halligan, President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer—was not legally appointed to the role of interim U.S. attorney.
Judge Cameron McGowan Currie found Halligan’s appointment invalid, meaning every action she took, including presenting indictments to the grand jury, had no legal authority behind it.
Why the Indictments Were Thrown Out
Judge Currie ruled that Halligan, a former White House adviser with zero prosecutorial experience, was installed in the Eastern District of Virginia at President Trump’s direction and acted alone in securing the indictments.
Because she lacked lawful authority from the start, every step she took was deemed an “unlawful exercise of executive power.”
In her ruling, the judge stated:
“All actions flowing from Ms. Halligan’s defective appointment … are hereby set aside.”
This includes the indictments against both Comey and James.
The Core Issue: An Unconstitutional Appointment
Halligan was handpicked after the previous interim U.S. attorney allegedly resigned under pressure from the White House.
The judge described the situation as “unique” and possibly unprecedented, noting that:
- Halligan was the only person who interacted with the grand jury
- She signed the indictments herself
- She had no lawful authority to act as a federal prosecutor
Because of this, the indictments were void from day one—making the entire process legally invalid.
Can the Government Refile the Charges?
The cases were dismissed “without prejudice”, meaning prosecutors could theoretically bring them back.
But Comey’s attorney argues the statute of limitations has already expired—and because the indictments are void, the government doesn’t get the usual extra six-month grace period.
Judge Currie’s wording shows she agrees that Halligan’s actions were never legally valid, which strengthens Comey’s argument that the case is effectively dead.
Comey Responds: “This Was a Prosecution Based on Malevolence”
Comey posted a video saying he’s grateful the court ended what he described as a politically motivated prosecution:
“A message has to be sent that the president cannot use the Department of Justice to target his political enemies.”
He added that he expects Trump may come after him again but says he remains “not afraid.”
Letitia James: “I Remain Fearless”
New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a statement celebrating the ruling:
“I remain fearless in the face of these baseless charges as I continue fighting for New Yorkers every single day.”
Her legal team said the ruling proves the charges were political.
White House Responds
A White House spokesperson insisted the dismissed charges are not the “final word,” leaving the door open for further legal action—depending on how the Justice Department interprets the law.
Ripple Effects: Other Cases Now in Question
The ruling could impact multiple federal cases, including:
- Mohammad Sharifullah, the Kabul airport bombing suspect, who has already challenged Halligan’s involvement
- Several cases in New Jersey after another Trump-aligned appointee was disqualified
Legal analysts say the government will fight the ruling, but overcoming it may be very difficult.
