Former DOJ Leaders, Big Law Attorneys Sign Brief Opposing ‘Retaliatory’ Prosecution of Comey – “Retributive Animus” Blasts Rock Virginia Court
Over 100 former DOJ heavyweights – spanning Obama’s AG Eric Holder to Bush-era nominees – just unleashed a legal thunderbolt: James Comey’s indictment reeks of “retributive animus” from Trump, not justice. Big Law titans piled on, urging dismissal before January 5 trial.
The amicus brief, filed October 27 in Virginia federal court by Washington Litigation Group, slams Trump’s handpicked US Attorney Lindsey Halligan – zero prosecutorial experience – for ramming charges after four prior probes (Arctic Haze, Durham, WDVA, EDVA) cleared Comey. “Not impartial judgment… but presidential revenge.”
Timeline of fury:
- Sept 19, 2025: Trump blasts Pam Bondi on Truth Social: “Charge Comey NOW!”
- Sept 20: Erik Siebert resigns under pressure – no case.
- Sept 21: Halligan (ex-Trump lawyer) installed.
- Sept 25: Solo grand jury pitch – lying to Congress, obstruction indicted.
Bonus brief: 13 democracy scholars (Harvard’s Levitsky, Stanford’s Diamond/Fukuyama) warn: “Politicized prosecutions = democratic backsliding” like Hungary, Venezuela.
X detonates: @MacFarlaneNews‘s post 74K views, 2K likes – “Retributive animus!” @stephen_richer: 14K views – “Nakedly political.” @lawdotcom: “Big Law vs. Retaliatory Prosecution.”
For U.S. rule of law, Comey prosecution tests DOJ independence amid shutdown chaos. $100M+ probes wasted? Fired prosecutors (Comey’s daughter Maurene, son-in-law Troy Edwards) scream foul. Judge Nachmanoff (Biden appointee) eyes motions – dismissal odds spike 40% per legal bets.
DOJ: “Merit-based.” Comey’s team (Patrick Fitzgerald): “Vindictive – toss it.”
Retaliatory Comey prosecution, vindictive prosecution Comey, DOJ amicus brief – Big Law revolt could nuke Trump DOJ legacy.
By Sam Michael
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