FBI Director Kash Patel says the Trump administration is continuing to pursue avenues against former FBI Director James Comey, despite a federal judge’s dismissal of the criminal case against him.
Why It Matters
President Donald Trump dismissed Comey in 2017, and the ex-FBI chief has remained a central focus for Trump and many of his allies.
In a Truth Social post in September, Trump called on U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to “act fast” in prosecuting Comey and other political opponents, declaring that they are “guilty as hell” and insisting that “JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED NOW!!!”
Comey was later charged with making a false statement and obstructing Congress, stemming from his appearances before lawmakers scrutinizing the FBI’s handling of politically sensitive investigations and oversight of the 2016 Russia probe.
He pleaded not guilty and continues to assert that he has done nothing wrong.
What To Know
U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie ruled that Lindsey Halligan had been installed as interim U.S. Attorney just two days before Comey’s case, with no prior prosecutorial experience. The judge found her appointment invalid, which in turn invalidated actions she took in that role — including signing Comey’s indictment.
In a wide-ranging interview with Epoch Times senior editor Jan Jekielek, Patel discussed topics such as attempts to reform the culture at the FBI, the Trump administration’s agreement with China targeting the fentanyl trade, and counterespionage efforts.
When Jekielek raised the dismissal of Comey’s case, Patel used the opportunity to signal that the administration is exploring additional paths forward even as the appeals process continues.
“The judicial process can make whatever determination it wants, but we at the FBI and our partners at the DOJ have numerous options to proceed, and we’re executing on all those options,” Patel said in an exclusive interview posted on X. “So we’re not done.”
What People Are Saying
James Comey, in a video statement after the charges were dismissed:
“I am grateful that the court ended the case against me, which was a prosecution based on malevolence and incompetence and a reflection of what the Justice Department has become under Donald Trump, which is heartbreaking.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi, responding to the dismissal:
“We’ll be taking all available legal action, including an immediate appeal to hold Letitia James and James Comey accountable for their unlawful conduct,” she said, adding, “I’m not worried about someone who has been charged with a very serious crime. His [Comey’s] alleged actions are a betrayal of public trust.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, when asked whether the president is “going after” Comey:
“I wouldn’t say he’s ‘going after’ them. I think the president is more determined than ever to see accountability in this country. And to correct the wrongs of the weaponization of our justice system that we saw under the previous administration and Joe Biden.”
What Happens Next
Patel said he could not provide many specifics because of the ongoing appeals process. However, he hinted that further developments are imminent, urging observers to “stay tuned for right after Thanksgiving, and you’ll see multiple responses, in my opinion.”
