President Donald Trump sharply criticized former FBI Director James Comey on Truth Social, accusing him of lying under oath and claiming his case is being overseen by a judge appointed by President Joe Biden, Michael Nachmanoff.
In his post, Trump called Comey a “Dirty Cop” and insisted that his “serious and far reaching lie” must carry consequences. The remarks follow Comey’s indictment on perjury charges tied to his 2020 congressional testimony about surveillance procedures.
Newsweek reached out to Comey’s attorney for comment.
Trump’s statement has heightened scrutiny around the case, fueling partisan tension. The assignment of a Biden-nominated judge has drawn criticism from Trump and his allies, who argue the process may be biased. The proceedings also reopen longstanding disputes over the FBI’s actions during Trump’s presidency and the broader question of political influence in high-profile investigations.
Comey was indicted earlier this week for allegedly misrepresenting facts related to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Prosecutors say he knowingly gave false testimony to Congress. His case is being overseen by Judge Nachmanoff of the Eastern District of Virginia, who was appointed by Biden in 2021. Trump has suggested that this assignment could benefit Comey.
In his posts, Trump accused Comey of lying “without margin for error” and claimed the former FBI director “destroyed lives.” He also implied that the judge’s appointment offered political cover, writing that it was a “very good start” for Comey.
Comey’s legal team is expected to push back, arguing that his statements were misinterpreted or not materially false. They may also reframe the testimony in its political context. The Justice Department, while declining to address Trump’s remarks directly, reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the law fairly.
Judge Nachmanoff, who previously served as a public defender and magistrate judge, has not spoken publicly about the case. Legal experts stress that federal judicial assignments are made randomly, though the optics of a Biden appointee presiding have already stoked political controversy.
On Truth Social, Trump declared:
“Whether you like Corrupt James Comey or not… HE LIED! … He was very positive, there was no doubt in his mind about what he said, or meant by saying it. He left himself ZERO margin of error on a big and important answer… James ‘Dirty Cop’ Comey was a destroyer of lives… It was a very serious and far reaching lie for which a very big price must be paid!”
In a separate post, Trump added:
“JAMES COMEY IS A DIRTY COP. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Comey responded in a video statement, saying:
“My family and I have known for years that there are costs to standing up to Donald Trump, but we couldn’t imagine ourselves living any other way… I hope you are engaged, you are paying attention, and you will vote like your beloved country depends upon it, which it does. … I’m innocent, so let’s have a trial and keep the faith.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi also weighed in on X, writing:
“No one is above the law. Today’s indictment reflects this Department of Justice’s commitment to holding those who abuse positions of power accountable for misleading the American people. We will follow the facts in this case.”
Comey is expected to appear in court for arraignment in the coming weeks as his defense team begins preparing its case.
