Federal Judge Dismisses Indictments Against James Comey and Letitia James

WASHINGTON — November 25, 2025 — Indictments against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James were dismissed Monday by a federal judge, though the cases could potentially be revived, officials said.

U.S. District Judge Cameron Currie dismissed the charges “without prejudice,” a legal term indicating that the government may refile the cases in the future. The ruling cited concerns over President Donald Trump’s social media demands for indictments against these individuals shortly before the charges were filed.

The indictments had been brought forward by Acting U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan, who was appointed following the resignation of her predecessor, Erik Siebert. Siebert reportedly stepped down after expressing reservations about the legal basis for the indictments. Halligan’s appointment raised questions because federal law, specifically 28 U.S.C. § 546, governs the appointment of interim U.S. attorneys and limits the duration of such appointments.

Legal experts noted that the indictments appeared rushed, filed just before the statute of limitations expired. The indictment against James was described as disjointed after a key charge was denied, leading Halligan to quickly consolidate remaining counts. Both cases were criticized across the political spectrum as examples of the weaponization of the legal process.

James responded to the dismissal with a message celebrating the decision, though the “without prejudice” status means the cases are not definitively closed. The prosecutions were part of a broader pattern of legal challenges involving Trump and his antagonists, reflecting ongoing tensions in the political and judicial arenas.

The dismissal highlights ongoing debates about the use of legal mechanisms in politically charged cases and the procedural safeguards required to ensure due process. The cases against Comey and James remain unresolved, pending potential future actions by prosecutors.