The Justice Department will appeal the dismissal of criminal cases against New York AG Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey, arguing the rulings were flawed and accountability is necessary, Reuters reports.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
WASHINGTON — The Justice Department announced it will appeal federal judges’ decisions to dismiss criminal cases against New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey, both longtime Trump adversaries.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Sky News the administration believes the dismissals were “wrongly decided“ and that the DOJ is acting within its authority to seek review.
“The administration rejects claims that the prosecutions were retaliatory,” Leavitt said. “These appeals are necessary to ensure accountability and equal application of the law.”
The Case Against Letitia James
Prosecutors charged James with bank fraud and false statements tied to mortgage-related financial disclosures. A federal judge dismissed the indictment, ruling the interim U.S. attorney who brought the case was improperly appointed—a technicality the DOJ argues shouldn’t shield alleged misconduct.
James, a vocal Trump critic, sued Trump and his business in a civil fraud case and repeatedly accused him of criminal conduct. Trump has called her actions politically motivated, citing her campaign pledge to “get Trump.”
The Case Against James Comey
Comey faced charges of false statements and mishandling official records post-FBI. A judge dismissed the case, ruling evidence was improperly retained and some charges exceeded the statute of limitations.
Trump fired Comey in 2017, accusing him of institutional bias—a claim reinforced by Comey’s post-FBI criticism of Trump in interviews and a memoir.
DOJ’s Argument
The Justice Department warns that allowing the dismissals to stand could set a dangerous precedent, letting powerful officials evade prosecution due to procedural errors.
“The appeals are meant to clarify appointment authority and preserve the government’s ability to pursue cases involving senior public figures,” a DOJ official said.
Political Backlash
James’ and Comey’s attorneys accuse the Trump administration of politicizing the DOJ—a claim the White House denies. Trump allies argue the appeals correct a double standard, where investigations of Trump moved forward aggressively, while cases against his critics stalled.
The appellate court will set a briefing schedule in the coming weeks. The legal battle underscores the ongoing clash between Trump’s administration and his political opponents.
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