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By Hollie Silverman, Jenna Sundel, and Robert Birsel
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Former FBI Director James Comey could face perjury charges due to alleged false statements made to Congress during a 2020 testimony, according to reports from multiple media outlets.
Federal prosecutors are still deciding whether to bring those charges forward as the legal deadline looms, CNN reported, citing people familiar with the situation.
Although prosecutors haven't found sufficient evidence to charge Comey, the US Attorney in Virginia plans to ask a grand jury to indict him, according to a report from ABC News.
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The possible charges stem from alleged false statements Comey made on September 30, 2020, while giving testimony on possible Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, according to CNN.
Why It Matters
Comey, who was first appointed by former President Barack Obama, was fired by President Donald Trump for his handling of an investigation into former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's use of her personal email.
Since his firing, Comey has been a critic of Trump and his administration.
What To Know
Comey has not been charged with a crime and has maintained that he’s been truthful under oath, CNN reported.
Earlier this week, prosecutors presented Lindsey Halligan, a former personal attorney of Trump who he selected to lead the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, with a memo recommending she decline to bring perjury and obstruction charges against Comey, ABC News reported, citing sources familiar with the memo.
Trump referenced Comey in a recent Truth Social post directly addressing Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Trump wrote, "Pam: I have reviewed over 30 statements and posts saying that, essentially, 'same old story as last time, all talk, no action. Nothing is being done. What about Comey, Adam 'Shifty' Schiff, Leticia??? They’re all guilty as hell, but nothing is going to be done.' Then we almost put in a Democrat supported U.S. Attorney, in Virginia, with a really bad Republican past. A Woke RINO, who was never going to do his job. That’s why two of the worst Dem Senators PUSHED him so hard. He even lied to the media and said he quit, and that we had no case. No, I fired him, and there is a GREAT CASE, and many lawyers, and legal pundits, say so."
The president continued, "Lindsey Halligan is a really good lawyer, and likes you, a lot. We can’t delay any longer, it’s killing our reputation and credibility. They impeached me twice, and indicted me (5 times!), OVER NOTHING. JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!"
What Happens Next
Under criminal law, prosecutors would generally only have five years to the day to file such charges, CNN reported.
Update 9/25/25, 12:20 a.m. ET: This breaking news story was updated with additional information.
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