Mon Nov 24 18:22:34 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
A federal judge has dismissed criminal cases against James Comey and Letitia James, former FBI Director and New York Attorney General respectively. The dismissal is based on the finding that the prosecutor, Lindsey Halligan, appointed at the urging of former President Trump to pursue the charges, was illegally appointed by the Justice Department. The judge ruled that Halligan’s appointment circumvented established procedures and that she lacked the necessary prosecutorial experience. This decision is a significant rebuke of the Trump administration’s attempts to target political opponents and raises questions about the politicization of the Justice Department. While the cases were dismissed without prejudice, it is uncertain if the Justice Department will attempt to revive them.
News Article:
Judge Throws Out Criminal Cases Against Comey, James, Citing Illegally Appointed Prosecutor
Washington, D.C. – November 24, 2025 – A federal judge has dismissed criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, dealing a significant blow to efforts led by former President Donald Trump to prosecute his political rivals. U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie ruled that Lindsey Halligan, the prosecutor who brought the charges against Comey and James, was illegally appointed by the Justice Department under the Trump administration.
The judge’s decision centers on the questionable circumstances surrounding Halligan’s appointment in September. Following the forced resignation of an interim U.S. Attorney, Erik Siebert, who faced pressure to indict Comey and James, Halligan, a former White House aide with limited prosecutorial experience, was named to the position. Judge Currie found that this appointment bypassed established procedures, which dictate that the judges of the federal court district should have the final say in filling such vacancies. Trump publicly urged action against Comey and James via social media, further raising concerns about the politicization of the Justice Department.
Comey was indicted on charges of making a false statement and obstructing Congress, while James faced charges in connection with a mortgage fraud investigation. These indictments now stand dismissed.
“This ruling underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity and independence of the Justice Department,” said legal analysts.
While Judge Currie dismissed the cases without prejudice, leaving open the possibility of future prosecution, it remains unclear whether the Justice Department will attempt to revive them. The decision adds Halligan to a growing list of Trump administration prosecutors whose appointments have been challenged and, in some cases, overturned.
First Piper 