White house: Comey Moves to Dismiss Charges, Citing Trump’s ‘Personal Animus’ and Unlawful Prosecution

Former FBI Director James Comey opened his defense Monday with a sweeping motion to dismiss the federal indictment against him, arguing that the Justice Department’s case was built on political vengeance directed by President Donald Trump.

In filings submitted to a Virginia federal court, Comey’s attorneys labeled the prosecution “an egregious abuse of power” and claimed it was driven by Trump’s “personal animus” toward his longtime critic. The defense further contended that U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan, who brought the charges, was unlawfully appointed, calling her prosecution “constitutionally void.”

The two-count indictment, filed in late September, accuses Comey of lying to Congress and obstructing justice in connection with his handling of FBI leak investigations. Comey has pleaded not guilty. His attorneys argue that the case violates principles of due process and represents a misuse of the judicial system to punish a political adversary.

Court filings cite Trump’s public calls for prosecution — including a social media message demanding “JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!” — as evidence of direct executive interference in the criminal process.

U.S. District Judge Michael Nachmanoff has set a hearing on the dismissal motions for November 19 in Alexandria. If the case moves forward, a trial could begin early next year, making it one of the most politically charged legal battles of Trump’s second term