DOJ's Case Against Comey Faces Crisis and Reversals


At a Wednesday hearing, prosecutors admitted not all grand jury members had reviewed the final indictment before voting. By Thursday, DOJ officials claimed that official transcripts showed full jury approval—contradicting their earlier statement and raising further questions.

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	Judge Michael Nachmanoff holds a hearing in James Comey's criminal case in Arlington, Virginia, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. (Dana Verkouteren)
	DOJ's Case Against Comey Faces Crisis and Reversals Marc Kennedy - National-Politics Tell Us USA News Network ALEXANDRIA, VA - The criminal prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey has reached crisis mode, as irregularities in the Justice Department’s grand jury procedures spark unprecedented judicial scrutiny and rapid reversals by federal prosecutors. At a Wednesday hearing, prosecutors admitted not all grand jury members had reviewed the final indictment before voting. By Thursday, DOJ officials claimed that official transcripts showed full jury approval—contradicting their earlier statement and raising further questions. In response, U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan and other officials publicly criticized the judge, with Halligan alleging he called her a "puppet." While the judge did not make such a direct assertion, he questioned if that reflected the defense's view. On Monday, a federal magistrate judge issued a scathing ruling, citing "a disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps" by prosecutors. The judge condemned the DOJ for failing to secure proper search warrants before accessing decades-old evidence that may have included confidential attorney-client material—calling the oversight "inexplicable" and "highly unusual." Comey’s defense team claims the prosecution is politically motivated, referencing President Trump's September social media demand that Attorney General Pam Bondi pursue his opponents: "JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!" Within hours of Trump’s post, Halligan was appointed interim U.S. attorney, and the indictment soon followed. Attorneys for Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James are also challenging Halligan’s appointment, arguing it was unlawful without Senate confirmation. A federal judge is expected to rule on this issue by Thanksgiving. Comey, who was fired by Trump in 2017, has pleaded not guilty to charges of making false statements to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding. Trial Judge Michael Nachmanoff has declined an immediate decision, saying the issues are “too weighty and too complex” for a ruling from the bench. The case moves forward on multiple tracks, with the judge ordering both sides to submit briefs on a 1969 Supreme Court precedent related to grand jury irregularities. This revision improves readability and flow while fully omitting citations as requested. Let me know if you'd like any further edits or formatting.