In a move that has stirred national controversy, former FBI Director James Comey was indicted on Thursday for allegedly making false statements to Congress and obstructing justice.

The charges stem from Comey’s 2020 testimony about leaks related to the FBI’s Trump-Russia investigation. The indictment was brought by Lindsey Halligan, the newly appointed acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia — an appointment made by President Donald Trump just days earlier.

Here’s what to know about the Comey indictment and reaction from California politicians.

Comey Indictment Raises Questions About Justice Department Bowing to Political Pressure

The indictment has drawn criticism from legal experts and political observers, who note that internal memos advised against prosecution due to a lack of evidence. The case is widely seen as part of Trump’s broader push to prosecute political adversaries, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and California Senator Adam Schiff.

Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, said the Justice Department has become “a political tool of a vengeful president.”

“President Trump wears his corruption like a badge of honor and defies anyone daring to challenge him,” Durbin said. “The Attorney General willingly complies with every order from the White House.”

For Californians, the indictment raises questions about the politicization of the Justice Department and the implications for elected officials in the state who have clashed with Trump in the past. While Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator Alex Padilla, and Schiff have not publicly commented on the indictment, the move has intensified scrutiny of Trump’s legal strategy and its impact on democratic norms.

Who Is Lindsey Halligan, the U.S. Attorney Leading the Comey Prosecution?

Lindsey Halligan, 36, is a Florida-based attorney who began her legal career in insurance law. After graduating from the University of Miami School of Law in 2013, she joined the firm Cole, Scott & Kissane, where she specialized in residential and commercial insurance claims. She became a partner in 2018, earning a reputation for her meticulous handling of complex cases.

Her transition into high-profile legal defense began in 2022 when she joined Donald Trump’s legal team. Halligan was present during the FBI’s search of Mar-a-Lago and played a key role in Trump v. United States, a lawsuit seeking a special master to review seized materials. She also worked on Trump’s defamation suit against CNN and efforts to defend his presidential eligibility under the Fourteenth Amendment.

In January 2025, Halligan was appointed as the White House senior associate staff secretary. By September, Trump named her acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, replacing Erik Siebert, who reportedly refused to prosecute Trump’s political foes. Halligan’s appointment was controversial due to her lack of prosecutorial experience and her close ties to Trump.

Despite internal opposition, Halligan swiftly indicted Comey, citing his 2020 congressional testimony. Legal experts have questioned the basis for the charges, noting that prosecutors had advised against pursuing them. Halligan’s actions are part of a broader effort to fulfill Trump’s calls for “retribution” against perceived enemies.

Halligan’s rapid ascent and aggressive legal posture have placed her at the center of a national debate over the independence of the Justice Department. Her appointment bypassed Senate confirmation, and she can only serve for 120 days unless confirmed or retained by district judges — a process that may face resistance given her background and political alignment.

Could Adam Schiff Be Next? Trump’s Push to Prosecute Political Adversaries

The indictment of former FBI Director James Comey has reignited concerns that President Trump is using the Justice Department to target his political enemies — including California Senator Adam Schiff. In recent weeks, Trump has publicly demanded that Attorney General Pam Bondi pursue legal action against Schiff, Comey, and New York Attorney General Letitia James, calling them “criminals” and urging swift prosecution

While no formal charges have been filed against Schiff, the rhetoric has escalated. Trump’s social media posts have accused Schiff of “treasonous behavior” and claimed that Schiff’s role in the impeachment proceedings and oversight of the Trump-Russia investigation warrants criminal accountability. These statements have alarmed legal experts and civil rights advocates, who warn that such moves could undermine the independence of the Justice Department and set dangerous precedents for retaliatory prosecutions.

In response, Schiff and fellow California Senator Alex Padilla issued a joint statement condemning Trump’s efforts to install loyalists such as Bill Essayli as U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California. They accused Essayli of using his interim position to launch politically motivated investigations and press conferences lacking evidentiary support.

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USA TODAY contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Trump-appointed prosecutor indicts Comey, California Sen. Schiff may be next
Reporting by James Ward, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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