Chicago – November 24, 2025
A federal judge has dismissed criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, ruling that the prosecutor who initiated the cases was illegally appointed. U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie found that Lindsey Halligan, appointed by the Trump administration, lacked the legal authority to file indictments in the cases.
Halligan was a former White House aide with no prosecutorial experience, whose appointment violated constitutional provisions, rendering all actions she took—including indictments against Comey and James—void.
The charges against Comey, who faced accusations of making false statements to Congress and obstructing justice, and James, charged with bank fraud and making false statements, were dismissed without prejudice. This leaves open the possibility for the Justice Department to refile charges in the future. Both Comey and James have pleaded not guilty and previously sought dismissal with prejudice, which would bar refiling.
Judge Currie’s ruling marks a significant rebuke of exertions by President Donald Trump’s administration to target political adversaries through judicial appointments without Senate confirmation. The decision underscored the importance of lawful appointments in preserving the integrity of the justice system and preventing executive overreach.
