FBI Director Kash Patel revealed that the Trump administration is not done with its pursuit of former FBI Director James Comey even after a federal judge dismissed the case against him.
Why It Matters
President Donald Trump fired Comey in 2017, and the former FBI director has remained a top target for the president and his supporters.
In a message posted on Truth Social in September, Trump urged U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to “act fast” to prosecute Comey and other political enemies, saying that they are “guilty as hell” and “JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED NOW!!!”
Comey was subsequently charged with making a false statement and obstructing Congress – allegations that stem from his appearances before lawmakers examining the FBI’s handling of politically sensitive investigations and oversight of the 2016 Russia inquiry.
Comey pleaded not guilty to the charges and maintains his innocence.
What To Know
U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie found that Lindsey Halligan had been appointed as interim U.S. Attorney just two days before Comey’s case with no prior prosecutorial experience. Her disqualification renders her actions, including the signing of Comey’s indictment, legally invalid.
Patel sat for a wide-ranging interview with Epoch Times senior editor Jan Jekielek, addressing topics including the culture change at the FBI, the Trump administration’s deal with China to tackle fentanyl trade, and counterespionage operations.
Jekielek addressed the dismissal of Comey’s case, giving Patel a chance to reveal that the administration is looking at other options in their case against Comey even as the appeals process plays out.
“The judicial process can make whatever determination it wants, but we at the FBI and our partners at the DOJ have numerous options to proceed, and we’re executing on all those options,” Patel told during an exclusive interview posted on X. “So we’re not done.”
What People Are Saying
Comey in a video statement following the dismissal of charges against him: “I am grateful that the court ended the case against me, which was a prosecution based on malevolence and incompetence and a reflection of what the Justice Department has become under Donald Trump, which is heartbreaking.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi following the dismissal of charges: “We’ll be taking all available legal action, including an immediate appeal to hold Letitia James and James Comey accountable for their unlawful conduct,” adding, “I’m not worried about someone who has been charged with a very serious crime. His [Comey’s] alleged actions are a betrayal of public trust.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt when asked about the president “going after” Comey: “”I wouldn’t say he’s ‘going after’ them. I think the president is more determined than ever to see accountability in this country. And to correct the wrongs of the weaponization of our justice system that we saw under the previous administration and Joe Biden.”
What Happens Next
Patel said he could not say too much due to the ongoing appeals process, but he said to “stay tuned for right after Thanksgiving, and you’ll see multiple responses, in my opinion.”
Update 11/29/25, 8:21 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
