Trump wanted to prosecute ex-FBI director over criticism, court rejects it

A federal judge on Monday dismissed criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey and New York State Attorney General Letitia James. The reason was that Lindsey Halligan, who was put on the cases by Donald Trump, was illegally appointed as interim attorney general, according to the court's ruling.

The case thus represents a serious blow to Trump's efforts to prosecute his political critics. The judge found that Halligan did not have the authority to bring charges, violating both the constitutional Appointments Clause and federal law.

However, he dismissed the case "without prejudice," which means the Justice Department can reopen it with an authorized prosecutor.

Both Comey and James have dismissed the allegations as politically motivated. Halligan took office after her predecessor, Eric Siebert, declined to pursue cases against the pair due to a lack of evidence.

(reuters, max)