Overview

• The Wall Street Journal and NBC News report that President Trump intended his Sept. 20 Truth Social message pressing Attorney General Pam Bondi to pursue cases against James Comey, Letitia James and Adam Schiff as a direct message, not a public post.
• Officials say Trump was surprised to learn the post was public; Bondi reacted angrily, and Trump soon posted a follow‑up praising her performance.
• After the message and Bondi’s moves, pro‑Trump attorney Lindsey Halligan was installed to lead EDVA, a grand jury indicted Comey on false‑statement and obstruction charges, and James was charged with bank fraud and false statements.
• Comey has pleaded not guilty, and his legal team is pointing to the president’s message as evidence of vindictive or selective prosecution.
• Critics warn of threats to DOJ independence and potential Presidential Records Act issues from using Truth Social direct messages for official business, while Trump publicly denies directing charging decisions.