Ethics Officials Request Investigation into Prosecutions of Comey and James

Former federal ethics officials from both Republican and Democratic administrations have called for an investigation into the prosecutions of former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. In a letter to Acting Justice Department Inspector General William Blier, the officials expressed concern that these indictments may be driven by political motives.

The letter, authored by leaders of the Democracy Defenders Fund—a nonpartisan group critical of the Trump administration—alleges that interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Lindsey Halligan, pursued these cases to fulfill President Donald J. Trump's personal vendettas. The authors include Norm Eisen, former ethics official for President Barack Obama; Richard Painter, former associate counsel to President George W. Bush; and Virginia Canter, former White House associate counsel to Presidents Bill Clinton and Obama.

The officials stated, "Ms. Halligan pursued these indictments to fulfill President Donald J. Trump's longstanding personal vendetta against Mr. Comey and Ms. James, we are facing a turning point in our democracy and some of the most egregious examples of vindictive and meritless prosecution that our nation has ever seen."

Comey, who was dismissed as FBI director in 2017, has been charged with making a false statement and obstruction of Congress, allegations he denies. James faces charges of mortgage fraud and false statements related to a property in Norfolk, Virginia, which she also denies.

The Justice Department has declined to comment on the matter.