In brief
A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration unlawfully fired Maurene Comey, the daughter of former FBI director James Comey. The decision mandates her reinstatement as a federal prosecutor and grants back pay from July to December 2025. The Justice Department has announced it will appeal the ruling. The case highlights concerns over political retaliation against federal employees.
A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration illegally fired Maurene Comey, the daughter of former FBI Director James Comey. Judge Jesse Furman ordered that she be reinstated as a federal prosecutor in New York and granted her back pay for the period from July to December 2025.
The dismissal came after the Justice Department fired her in July 2025 on grounds the judge says were politically motivated. A complaint filed by Comey’s lawyers alleged that the administration acted because of her father’s criticism of Donald Trump and her perceived political affiliation.
Judge’s ruling
Judge Furman said the U.S. Attorney General may only fire federal prosecutors for specific reasons performed in a particular manner. He noted Comey had handled high‑profile cases, including those involving Jeffrey Epstein and hip‑hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, and had earned high praise from supervisors.
The Justice Department has stated it disagrees with the decision and will appeal. Comey’s legal team highlighted the victory as a win for civil servants and a statement in support of the rule of law.
Background
James Comey faced two separate charges by the Justice Department during the Trump administration, including accusations that he lied to Congress and made a threat against the president. The charges were dismissed in a separate case where the prosecutor was deemed unlawfully appointed. Earlier in 2025, Comey was also charged with making a public threat against President Trump in an Instagram post.
