Overview
- In a new filing, the Justice Department urged the court to reject James Comey’s claims of vindictive and selective prosecution, saying he offered no direct evidence of a retaliatory motive.
- Prosecutors defended President Donald Trump’s social-media posts calling Comey “guilty as hell” as showing a belief in criminal conduct, not an effort to punish protected speech.
- The government disclosed personal emails it says show Comey tracked and at times encouraged Daniel Richman’s anonymous contacts with reporters in 2016, which prosecutors argue contradicts Comey’s 2020 Senate testimony.
- Investigators reported finding Comey’s handwritten notes and classified materials in a secure FBI room and burn bags, including a note reading “HRC plan to tie Trump,” which they say undercuts his prior lack-of-recollection testimony.
- DOJ defended interim U.S. attorney Lindsey Halligan’s appointment and argued dismissal is unwarranted even if it were deemed invalid, with a hearing on the appointment set for Nov. 13 and a trial date scheduled for Jan. 5, 2026.