Overview

• James Comey entered a not‑guilty plea in federal court in Alexandria to charges of making false statements and obstructing a congressional proceeding.
• Prosecutors allege Comey lied about denying he authorized an associate to speak anonymously to the press regarding sensitive FBI matters during his September 30, 2020 Senate testimony.
• Judge Michael Nachmanoff scheduled a jury trial to begin January 5, 2026, following a brief arraignment hearing.
• Comey’s lawyers plan motions to dismiss that argue selective or malicious prosecution and contest the legality of interim U.S. attorney Lindsey Halligan’s appointment.
• The indictment followed public pressure from President Trump; Halligan, a White House aide without prior prosecutorial experience, brought the case with outside prosecutors, and experts say the charges could be difficult to prove despite a potential five‑year maximum penalty.