WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trump is publicly demanding further legal scrutiny of James Comey, his one-time FBI director, escalating a long-running feud and reviving allegations of political bias within the Justice Department. On September 25, 2024, trump called for investigations into Comey’s actions during the 2016 presidential election and his subsequent tenure, alleging wrongdoing and a cover-up.
The renewed attacks come as Trump mounts another bid for the presidency, and as scrutiny of his own legal challenges intensifies.The calls for action against Comey resonate wiht Trump’s base and tap into persistent distrust of federal law enforcement among some segments of the electorate.The stakes are high, possibly influencing the political narrative as the 2024 election approaches and raising questions about the potential for politically motivated investigations should Trump return to office.
Trump’s latest broadside originated on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he accused Comey of “unprecedented corruption” and demanded that the Justice Department “finally investigate” his conduct. He specifically referenced the handling of the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s private email server and the early stages of the probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
These accusations echo long-held grievances Trump has voiced as his dismissal of Comey in May 2017. At the time,Trump cited Comey’s handling of the Russia investigation as the reason for the firing,but later admitted he was thinking about the Russia probe when he made the decision.
Comey has publicly addressed Trump’s criticisms, defending his actions as motivated by a commitment to the rule of law and the independence of the FBI. In a 2021 interview with Zeit Online,Comey likened the January 6th Capitol attack to “our Tschernobyl moment,” suggesting a basic breakdown in American institutions. He has also been critical of Trump’s attempts to undermine faith in the electoral process.
Recent reporting by Zeit Online details Trump’s continued focus on Comey, including allegations that Trump has directed allies to investigate Comey’s activities. A September 2024 news podcast from the publication explored why Trump continues to pursue Comey.
