Trump's DOJ charges James Comey for the third time in 13 months
The DOJ has charged former FBI director James Comey. He allegedly leaked national defence information to a journalist in 2016.
The latest charges accuse former FBI director James Comey of directing someone to leak national defence information to a journalist in 2016. Comey was heading the bureau at the time.
The charges were unsealed Monday. The charges came exactly 10 years after the alleged leak.
The timing meant they arrived just before the statute of limitations would expire. Comey also faces charges over an Instagram photograph.
It shows seashells arranged to spell "86 47". Prosecutors claim this was a death threat to Trump.
A previous case from last year was thrown out. It involved false statements and obstruction charges.
A judge found the prosecutor was illegally appointed. Comey said on Instagram he remains innocent.
He called the prosecution an appalling abuse of the Department of Justice.
- Third charge in 13 months
- Charge count
- Exactly 10 years after alleged leak
- Filing deadline
Why it mattersThis shows how federal criminal law is being used as a political weapon in the United States. Prosecutors aligned to Trump are pursuing his long-standing rival repeatedly over the past year.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, but this reflects deepening political divisions and institutional stress in the US that shape Australia's closest ally and security partner.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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