Former FBI Director James Comey Indicted on Charges of Lying to Congress

What Happened?

A grand jury has indicted former FBI Director James Comey on two charges, including lying to Congress under oath. The indictment came only days after a social media post by President Trump that appeared to appeal directly to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to bring charges against Comey while complaining that Justice Department investigations into his foes had not resulted in criminal cases.

James Comey posted a video after his indictment in which he said: ‘My heart is broken for the Department of Justice, but I have great confidence in the federal judicial system, and I’m innocent. So, let’s have a trial.’

Why it Matters

James Comey is the highest-ranking former government official to be charged by the Trump Administration. The two-page indictment offered little detail, but the first count relates to Mr. Comey telling a congressional committee he had not authorized anyone else at the FBI to be an anonymous source in news reports about an FBI investigation. Into what the indictment describes as ‘PERSON 1,’ who was most likely former Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

The second count alleges that Mr. Comey ‘did corruptly endeavor to influence, obstruct and impede’ the panel by making false statements to it. The jury rejected a third count of making false statements. Mr. Comey’s arraignment is scheduled for October 9^th.

Mr. Comey has long drawn criticism from Mr. Trump, who alleges that the 2016 investigation into Russian interference in the U.S. Presidential election was a hoax. President Trump called the indictment ‘justice for America,’ although the outcome of the trial is as uncertain as any case.

The office that filed the charges against Mr. Comey, the Eastern District of Virginia, recently saw its chief prosecutor, Erik Silbert, resign. To replace Mr. Silbert, President Trump appointed Lindsey Halligan, one of his White House aides who has never served as a federal prosecutor. 

The case is likely to revisit many of the details of the 2016 Presidential elections, including the investigation into whether Russia tried to interfere. The public comments by President Trump and his appointment of one of his own aides with little federal prosecuting experience certainly raises questions about undue influence, which Mr. Comey’s attorneys are likely to bring up during the trial. The trial itself may take place during the 2026 mid-term elections and could become a campaign issue for both parties.

How it Affects You

Fair and impartial justice is a vital component of the American system of governance. If the Justice Department under Mr. Comey committed illegal or improper acts in 2016. Or if President Trump is using the power of the presidency to punish his political opponents, both could have detrimental effects on the trust and confidence of the American people in the U.S. justice system.