{"id":2221309,"date":"2026-10-27T01:39:40","date_gmt":"2026-10-26T22:39:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2221309"},"modified":"2026-10-27T01:39:40","modified_gmt":"2026-10-26T22:39:40","slug":"trump-administration-brings-third-criminal-case-against-former-fbi-director-james-comey-over-alleged-leak","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2221309","title":{"rendered":"Trump administration brings third criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey over alleged leak"},"content":{"rendered":"

[analyse_image type=”featured” src=”https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/79771300_6.jpg”]<\/p>\n

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https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5Oi9A<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n
James Comey posted a video message on Instagram responding to the latest attempt to prosecute himImage: James Comey\/Instagram\/REUTERS<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The US<\/a> Justice Department has launched a third attempt to prosecute former FBI Director James Comey, accusing him of illegally disclosing national defense information in 2016.<\/p>\n

Court documents unsealed on Monday reveal allegations that Comey directed a subordinate to share classified information with a journalist.<\/p>\n

The case marks another escalation in President Donald Trump<\/a>‘s long-running conflict with the former FBI chief, who has denied wrongdoing.<\/p>\n

What are the latest allegations against James Comey?<\/h2>\n

The case centers on an October 2016 New York Times<\/em> article about a secret US surveillance order involving internet company Yahoo.<\/p>\n

The order reportedly required Yahoo to scan emails for messages potentially linked to a foreign terrorist organization. It had been issued by a secret intelligence court.<\/p>\n

Prosecutors allege that Comey instructed a staff member to contact a New York Times<\/em> journalist to correct inaccurate information published by news agency Reuters the previous day.<\/p>\n

\"Donald
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly accused former FBI director James Comey of wrongdoing, while Comey has denied the allegationsImage: Julia Demaree Nikhinson\/AP Photo\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

According to the Justice Department, this resulted in the illegal transfer of classified national defense information to an unauthorized person.<\/p>\n

However, the allegations have already been investigated twice.<\/p>\n

Federal authorities began examining the disclosure in 2017. Prosecutor John Durham recommended against bringing criminal charges in December 2018, according to Comey’s lawyers.<\/p>\n

A second investigation, launched in 2019 under the code name “Tropical Vortex,” was also closed without charges in February 2020.<\/p>\n

How are Comey’s lawyers fighting the new charges?<\/h2>\n

The Justice Department filed a legal document known as a “criminal information” in early October, shortly before the 10-year deadline for prosecuting the alleged offense.<\/p>\n

Unlike an indictment, a criminal information does not require approval from a grand jury or judge.<\/p>\n

Prosecutors say the filing allows them to extend the statute of limitations, which determines how long authorities have to bring criminal charges.<\/p>\n

\"A
A courtroom sketch shows former FBI director James Comey alongside his lawyer Patrick Fitzgerald during his arraignment in 2025 [FILE: October 8, 2025]Image: Dana Verkouteren\/AP Photo\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Comey’s lawyers dispute that interpretation. They argue that federal law explicitly requires an indictment within 10 years and that the government’s filing does not meet that requirement.<\/p>\n

They have asked a judge to dismiss the case. A ruling is still pending.<\/p>\n

Comey’s attorney, Patrick Fitzgerald, also pointed to the two earlier investigations.<\/p>\n

“Both times the Government determined that no charges should be brought against anyone,” he said.<\/p>\n

Responding to the latest allegations in a video posted on Substack, Comey condemned the prosecution.<\/p>\n

“It would almost be funny if it weren’t such an appalling abuse of the Department of Justice,” he said.<\/p>\n

“I’m still innocent. I’m still not afraid of these people, and I still believe in the independent federal judiciary.”<\/p>\n

What other criminal cases does James Comey face?<\/h2>\n

The latest case is the third criminal proceeding brought against Comey since Trump returned to the White House in January 2025.<\/p>\n

In September 2025, prosecutors charged him with making false statements to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding.<\/p>\n

A federal judge dismissed the case after finding that the Trump-appointed prosecutor who brought the charges had been unlawfully appointed<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"James
Former FBI director James Comey testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee in June 2017 about his dismissal by Trump and the Russia investigation [FILE: June 8, 2017]Image: Andrew Harnik\/AP Photo\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In April 2026, Comey was indicted again<\/a>, this time over an Instagram<\/a> photograph showing seashells arranged to form the numbers “86 47.”<\/p>\n

The Justice Department interpreted the numbers as a threat against Trump, arguing that “86” referred to killing someone and “47” identified Trump as the 47th US president.<\/p>\n

Comey denied threatening Trump’s life and has sought to have that case dismissed.<\/p>\n

Why has Trump targeted former FBI director Comey?<\/h2>\n

Comey was appointed FBI director in 2013 by Democratic President Barack Obama<\/a>.<\/p>\n

His relationship with Trump deteriorated shortly after the president took office in 2017.<\/p>\n

Comey resisted Trump’s request to pledge personal loyalty during a private dinner.<\/p>\n

Trump fired him in May 2017 while the FBI was investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and possible connections to Trump’s campaign.<\/p>\n

\"Donald
Donald Trump and James Comey initially appeared to have a cordial relationship before the president fired the FBI director in May 2017 [FILE: January 22, 2017]Image: Andrew Harrer\/UPI Photo\/Newscom\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The investigation was subsequently taken over by special counsel Robert Mueller<\/a>. It established that Russia<\/a> had interfered in the election but found insufficient evidence to prove criminal coordination between Moscow and Trump’s campaign.<\/p>\n

The two men have remained bitter political opponents. Trump has repeatedly accused Comey of treason, while Comey compared the president to a mafia boss in his 2018 memoir.<\/p>\n

Edited by: Wesley Dockery<\/em><\/p>\n

If you rely on our team for trusted reporting, please take a moment to select us as your <\/em>preferred Source on Google<\/a>, so you’ll always see our verified news first.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

\n

The US<\/a> Justice Department has launched a third attempt to prosecute former FBI Director James Comey, accusing him of illegally disclosing national defense information in 2016.<\/p>\n

Court documents unsealed on Monday reveal allegations that Comey directed a subordinate to share classified information with a journalist.<\/p>\n

The case marks another escalation in President Donald Trump<\/a>‘s long-running conflict with the former FBI chief, who has denied wrongdoing.<\/p>\n

What are the latest allegations against James Comey?<\/h2>\n

The case centers on an October 2016 New York Times<\/em> article about a secret US surveillance order involving internet company Yahoo.<\/p>\n

The order reportedly required Yahoo to scan emails for messages potentially linked to a foreign terrorist organization. It had been issued by a secret intelligence court.<\/p>\n

Prosecutors allege that Comey instructed a staff member to contact a New York Times<\/em> journalist to correct inaccurate information published by news agency Reuters the previous day.<\/p>\n

\"Donald
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly accused former FBI director James Comey of wrongdoing, while Comey has denied the allegationsImage: Julia Demaree Nikhinson\/AP Photo\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

According to the Justice Department, this resulted in the illegal transfer of classified national defense information to an unauthorized person.<\/p>\n

However, the allegations have already been investigated twice.<\/p>\n

Federal authorities began examining the disclosure in 2017. Prosecutor John Durham recommended against bringing criminal charges in December 2018, according to Comey’s lawyers.<\/p>\n

A second investigation, launched in 2019 under the code name “Tropical Vortex,” was also closed without charges in February 2020.<\/p>\n

How are Comey’s lawyers fighting the new charges?<\/h2>\n

The Justice Department filed a legal document known as a “criminal information” in early October, shortly before the 10-year deadline for prosecuting the alleged offense.<\/p>\n

Unlike an indictment, a criminal information does not require approval from a grand jury or judge.<\/p>\n

Prosecutors say the filing allows them to extend the statute of limitations, which determines how long authorities have to bring criminal charges.<\/p>\n

\"A
A courtroom sketch shows former FBI director James Comey alongside his lawyer Patrick Fitzgerald during his arraignment in 2025 [FILE: October 8, 2025]Image: Dana Verkouteren\/AP Photo\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Comey’s lawyers dispute that interpretation. They argue that federal law explicitly requires an indictment within 10 years and that the government’s filing does not meet that requirement.<\/p>\n

They have asked a judge to dismiss the case. A ruling is still pending.<\/p>\n

Comey’s attorney, Patrick Fitzgerald, also pointed to the two earlier investigations.<\/p>\n

“Both times the Government determined that no charges should be brought against anyone,” he said.<\/p>\n

Responding to the latest allegations in a video posted on Substack, Comey condemned the prosecution.<\/p>\n

“It would almost be funny if it weren’t such an appalling abuse of the Department of Justice,” he said.<\/p>\n

“I’m still innocent. I’m still not afraid of these people, and I still believe in the independent federal judiciary.”<\/p>\n

What other criminal cases does James Comey face?<\/h2>\n

The latest case is the third criminal proceeding brought against Comey since Trump returned to the White House in January 2025.<\/p>\n

In September 2025, prosecutors charged him with making false statements to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding.<\/p>\n

A federal judge dismissed the case after finding that the Trump-appointed prosecutor who brought the charges had been unlawfully appointed<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"James
Former FBI director James Comey testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee in June 2017 about his dismissal by Trump and the Russia investigation [FILE: June 8, 2017]Image: Andrew Harnik\/AP Photo\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In April 2026, Comey was indicted again<\/a>, this time over an Instagram<\/a> photograph showing seashells arranged to form the numbers “86 47.”<\/p>\n

The Justice Department interpreted the numbers as a threat against Trump, arguing that “86” referred to killing someone and “47” identified Trump as the 47th US president.<\/p>\n

Comey denied threatening Trump’s life and has sought to have that case dismissed.<\/p>\n

Why has Trump targeted former FBI director Comey?<\/h2>\n

Comey was appointed FBI director in 2013 by Democratic President Barack Obama<\/a>.<\/p>\n

His relationship with Trump deteriorated shortly after the president took office in 2017.<\/p>\n

Comey resisted Trump’s request to pledge personal loyalty during a private dinner.<\/p>\n

Trump fired him in May 2017 while the FBI was investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and possible connections to Trump’s campaign.<\/p>\n

\"Donald
Donald Trump and James Comey initially appeared to have a cordial relationship before the president fired the FBI director in May 2017 [FILE: January 22, 2017]Image: Andrew Harrer\/UPI Photo\/Newscom\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The investigation was subsequently taken over by special counsel Robert Mueller<\/a>. It established that Russia<\/a> had interfered in the election but found insufficient evidence to prove criminal coordination between Moscow and Trump’s campaign.<\/p>\n

The two men have remained bitter political opponents. Trump has repeatedly accused Comey of treason, while Comey compared the president to a mafia boss in his 2018 memoir.<\/p>\n

Edited by: Wesley Dockery<\/em><\/p>\n

If you rely on our team for trusted reporting, please take a moment to select us as your <\/em>preferred Source on Google<\/a>, so you’ll always see our verified news first.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The US<\/a> Justice Department has launched a third attempt to prosecute former FBI Director James Comey, accusing him of illegally disclosing national defense information in 2016.<\/p>\n

Court documents unsealed on Monday reveal allegations that Comey directed a subordinate to share classified information with a journalist.<\/p>\n

The case marks another escalation in President Donald Trump<\/a>‘s long-running conflict with the former FBI chief, who has denied wrongdoing.<\/p>\n

The case centers on an October 2016 New York Times<\/em> article about a secret US surveillance order involving internet company Yahoo.<\/p>\n

The order reportedly required Yahoo to scan emails for messages potentially linked to a foreign terrorist organization. It had been issued by a secret intelligence court.<\/p>\n

Prosecutors allege that Comey instructed a staff member to contact a New York Times<\/em> journalist to correct inaccurate information published by news agency Reuters the previous day.<\/p>\n

According to the Justice Department, this resulted in the illegal transfer of classified national defense information to an unauthorized person.<\/p>\n

However, the allegations have already been investigated twice.<\/p>\n

Federal authorities began examining the disclosure in 2017. Prosecutor John Durham recommended against bringing criminal charges in December 2018, according to Comey’s lawyers.<\/p>\n

A second investigation, launched in 2019 under the code name “Tropical Vortex,” was also closed without charges in February 2020.<\/p>\n

The Justice Department filed a legal document known as a “criminal information” in early October, shortly before the 10-year deadline for prosecuting the alleged offense.<\/p>\n

Unlike an indictment, a criminal information does not require approval from a grand jury or judge.<\/p>\n

Prosecutors say the filing allows them to extend the statute of limitations, which determines how long authorities have to bring criminal charges.<\/p>\n

Comey’s lawyers dispute that interpretation. They argue that federal law explicitly requires an indictment within 10 years and that the government’s filing does not meet that requirement.<\/p>\n

They have asked a judge to dismiss the case. A ruling is still pending.<\/p>\n

Comey’s attorney, Patrick Fitzgerald, also pointed to the two earlier investigations.<\/p>\n

“Both times the Government determined that no charges should be brought against anyone,” he said.<\/p>\n

Responding to the latest allegations in a video posted on Substack, Comey condemned the prosecution.<\/p>\n

“It would almost be funny if it weren’t such an appalling abuse of the Department of Justice,” he said.<\/p>\n

“I’m still innocent. I’m still not afraid of these people, and I still believe in the independent federal judiciary.”<\/p>\n

The latest case is the third criminal proceeding brought against Comey since Trump returned to the White House in January 2025.<\/p>\n

In September 2025, prosecutors charged him with making false statements to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding.<\/p>\n

A federal judge dismissed the case after finding that the Trump-appointed prosecutor who brought the charges had been unlawfully appointed<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In April 2026, Comey was indicted again<\/a>, this time over an Instagram<\/a> photograph showing seashells arranged to form the numbers “86 47.”<\/p>\n

The Justice Department interpreted the numbers as a threat against Trump, arguing that “86” referred to killing someone and “47” identified Trump as the 47th US president.<\/p>\n

Comey denied threatening Trump’s life and has sought to have that case dismissed.<\/p>\n

Comey was appointed FBI director in 2013 by Democratic President Barack Obama<\/a>.<\/p>\n

His relationship with Trump deteriorated shortly after the president took office in 2017.<\/p>\n

Comey resisted Trump’s request to pledge personal loyalty during a private dinner.<\/p>\n

Trump fired him in May 2017 while the FBI was investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and possible connections to Trump’s campaign.<\/p>\n

The investigation was subsequently taken over by special counsel Robert Mueller<\/a>. It established that Russia<\/a> had interfered in the election but found insufficient evidence to prove criminal coordination between Moscow and Trump’s campaign.<\/p>\n

The two men have remained bitter political opponents. Trump has repeatedly accused Comey of treason, while Comey compared the president to a mafia boss in his 2018 memoir.<\/p>\n

Edited by: Wesley Dockery<\/em><\/p>\n

If you rely on our team for trusted reporting, please take a moment to select us as your <\/em>preferred Source on Google<\/a>, so you’ll always see our verified news first.<\/em><\/p>\n

[analyse_source url=”https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/james-comey-usa-donald-trump\/a-79771256″]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[analyse_image type=”featured” src=”https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/79771300_6.jpg”] https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5Oi9A James Comey posted a video message on Instagram responding to the latest attempt to prosecute himImage: James Comey\/Instagram\/REUTERS The US Justice Department has launched a third attempt to prosecute former FBI Director James Comey, accusing him of illegally disclosing national defense information in 2016. Court documents unsealed on Monday reveal allegations […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,74],"class_list":["post-2221309","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-dw-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2221309","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2221309"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2221309\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2221309"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2221309"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2221309"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}