Federal prosecutors have released key evidence in their case against former FBI Director James Comey, showing that he expected Hillary Clinton to win the 2016 election and authorized backchannel leaks to the media about sensitive investigations. The disclosures were part of a Monday court filing pushing back on Comey’s claim that he is being maliciously prosecuted.
Acting U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan and Deputy U.S. Attorney Tyler Lemmons submitted internal emails and FBI records that undermine Comey’s prior claims under oath. One exchange included Comey discussing the transition to a Clinton administration. Another revealed ongoing communication with Daniel Richman, a longtime associate, who was briefing him on media narratives and speaking to reporters on Comey’s behalf—despite not being under active FBI employment.
Richman’s role extended to distributing Comey’s internal memos to press outlets in 2017. Prosecutors pointed to inconsistencies in Comey’s sworn testimony, where he denied authorizing such media contact or using personal email for official business. Handwritten FBI notes dated September 2016 indicate Comey was aware of intelligence suggesting Hillary Clinton approved a plan to tie then-candidate Donald Trump to Russia—a claim central to the ongoing investigation.
The indictment charges Comey with obstruction of Congress and making false statements, with his trial set for January 5, 2026. Prosecutors moved quickly to secure a grand jury indictment before the statute of limitations expired.
President Trump responded by saying that more figures involved in what he calls the “weaponization” of the DOJ should face prosecution. He labeled Comey “worse than a Democrat” and highlighted his misleading 2020 Senate testimony.
Conservatives, including Sen. Lindsey Graham and Sen. John Cornyn, described the case as long overdue. They accused Comey of acting above the law, concealing intelligence, and undermining Trump’s presidency through politically motivated investigations. Former White House adviser Peter Navarro referred to Comey as either “the mastermind or the useful idiot” behind the discredited Trump-Russia dossier.
The newly disclosed records intensify scrutiny on Comey’s leadership during a critical moment in American political history, with accusations that he misused federal authority to shape public opinion and manipulate investigative outcomes. Congressional Republicans have pointed to this case as part of a broader reckoning for senior officials who abused their positions during the Obama and early Trump years.
