James Comey Pleads Not Guilty, Defense Alleges Political Motivation in Federal Case

Former FBI Director James Comey pleaded not guilty Wednesday in a federal criminal case, with his legal team immediately signaling their intent to argue the prosecution is politically motivated and should be dismissed. The arraignment, though brief, underscored ongoing concerns about the Justice Department’s perceived weaponization against adversaries of former President Donald Trump.

Comey faces a two-count indictment alleging he misled the Senate Judiciary Committee on September 30, 2020, regarding authorization for an associate to serve as an anonymous media source concerning investigations into Trump or Hillary Clinton. His defense lawyers plan to challenge the charges as a vindictive prosecution and question the legitimacy of prosecutor Lindsey Halligan’s appointment, who was a former White House aide to Trump and filed charges just days after her swift appointment.

The case has drawn scrutiny due to the circumstances surrounding the indictment, including the controversial replacement of the prosecutor initially overseeing the investigation. Judge Michael Nachmanoff, a Biden nominee, has set a trial date for January 5, signaling his intention to move the proceedings forward without undue delay.

This legal battle is the latest chapter in the long-fraught relationship between Trump and Comey, stemming from Comey’s oversight of the Russia investigation during Trump’s presidency and his subsequent firing in 2017. The outcome is expected to carry significant political implications regardless of the verdict.

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