DOJ Seeks Dismissal of Comey Bias Claims in High-Profile False Statements Case

The Justice Department has urged a federal judge to dismiss former FBI Director James Comey’s claims that his prosecution is politically motivated retaliation by President Donald Trump, arguing that Comey has not provided direct evidence of vindictive intent. Prosecutors maintain that Trump's social media posts calling for Comey's prosecution reflect a legitimate prosecutorial motive and are not grounds to dismiss the indictment accusing Comey of lying to Congress in 2020. In their court filings, prosecutors disclosed evidence suggesting Comey used a confidant to leak information to reporters, aiming to rebut Comey's assertion that the charges were vindictive while also constructing a narrative of unauthorized leaks. Comey's defense team counters that his answers to ambiguous questions posed by Senator Ted Cruz were literally true and that the government is unfairly exploiting confusion in the questioning to claim falsehoods. The defense also argues that the charges stem from personal animosity from President Trump and that the government must frame clear questions to avoid misleading witnesses. Overall, the dispute centers on whether Comey’s prosecution is a legitimate legal action or politically motivated retribution, with the Justice Department firmly denying the latter.