In a developing story out of Washington, D.C., sources report that Attorney General Pam Bondi and federal prosecutors are grappling with concerns about pursuing criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey. The case, centered on allegations that Comey made false statements during congressional testimony in 2020 about the 2016 Russian election interference investigation, has sparked intense debate within the Justice Department. Despite pressure from President Donald Trump, who has publicly called for the prosecution of his political adversaries, there are significant reservations about moving forward with an indictment.
According to sources familiar with the matter, prosecutors in the Eastern District of Virginia, where the case would be filed, recently drafted a memo outlining their doubts about charging Comey. The allegations stem from Comey’s September 30, 2020, testimony before Congress, with the statute of limitations for lying to Congress—five years—approaching rapidly. Bondi herself is reportedly hesitant, though she believes an indictment could be feasible. This hesitation comes amid Trump’s vocal demands for swift action against Comey, whom he has called a “bad person” and accused of corruption.
Trump has intensified his push for prosecution, drawing comparisons to the numerous legal cases brought against him during his time out of office. At a recent White House event, Trump stated, “They’re going to make a determination. I’m not making that determination. I think I’d be allowed to get involved if I want, but I don’t really choose to do so.” However, he has made it clear he expects the Justice Department to act decisively, saying, “I just want people to act. And we want to act fast.” In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump demanded action against Comey, former Attorney General Letitia James, and Senator Adam Schiff, claiming they are “guilty as hell” and that “justice must be served.”
The situation is further complicated by the recent appointment of Lindsey Halligan, Trump’s former personal attorney, as the top prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia. Halligan, who has no prior experience as a prosecutor, was nominated after the resignation of Erik Siebert, who stepped down following pressure from Trump for refusing to pursue charges against James. Sources say Halligan has been involved in discussions about the Comey case and is prepared to present it to a grand jury if Bondi approves. However, she too has expressed questions about the case’s strength.
Inside the White House, opinions are divided. Some political aides argue that since Trump faced multiple prosecutions, his opponents like Comey should face similar scrutiny. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, appearing on Fox News, called Comey “corrupt” and accused him of “unlawful conduct” tied to the 2016 election investigation. Similarly, Trump’s trade adviser Peter Navarro, who previously served time in federal prison, has publicly called for Comey’s imprisonment, citing various grievances that federal prosecutors have previously reviewed and declined to pursue.
Despite the pressure, the Justice Department has remained tight-lipped, declining to comment on the matter. The internal memo from the Eastern District of Virginia, first reported by ABC News, underscores the uncertainty surrounding the case. For now, Bondi and her team face a delicate balancing act: navigating the legal merits of prosecuting a high-profile figure like Comey while under intense political pressure from the president.
As the deadline to file charges approaches, the outcome of this case could have significant implications for the Justice Department’s independence and the broader political landscape. Whether prosecutors move forward with an indictment or hold back remains to be seen, but the debate highlights the ongoing tension between legal accountability and political influence in Washington.