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By Gabe Whisnant and Anna Commander
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Maurene Comey, federal prosecutor in Manhattan who played a key role in the criminal cases against Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, has released a letter to her colleagues after she was fired on Wednesday.
"If a career prosecutor can be fired without reason, fear may seep into the decisions of those who remain," she wrote in the letter first observed by Politico. "Do not let that happen. Fear is the tool of a tyrant, wielded to suppress independent thought."
Maurene is the daughter of former FBI Director James Comey, who was fired by President Donald Trump during his first term. She most recently led the prosecution of Sean "Diddy" Combs for the Southern District of New York (SDNY).
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Newsweek reached out to the White House via email Wednesday night for comment.
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Why It Matters
Maurene had been a central figure in high-profile investigations involving sex trafficking and prominent U.S. and international figures.
The timing of her dismissal, amid ongoing fallout and suspicion swirling over the handling of the Epstein investigation—including Department of Justice (DOJ) decisions to withhold certain records—has intensified an already politically charged atmosphere in the country.
Her exit also underscores ongoing tensions over the prosecution of high-stakes crimes and the perceived openness of the DOJ.
Maurene Comey Firing: What To Know
Maurene was informed of her firing in a letter that noted Article II of the U.S. Constitution in the decision, according to reports by The New York Times, which cited three people familiar with the matter.
The Times first reported the firing, which was later picked up by ABC News and the Associated Press.
Epstein, a disgraced financier and sex offender, was arrested in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges and died in a New York City prison in what officials ruled a suicide, which was reconfirmed in a joint memo by the FBI and DOJ this month.
Maxwell was convicted of assisting the abuse of underage girls and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
The DOJ recently reiterated in the memo that Epstein did not leave behind a so-called "client list," and that much of the case material remains sealed by court order to protect the victims' privacy. Commentators, political influencers and members of Trump's MAGA base have accused the administration of lacking transparency.
Newsweek also reached out to the DOJ via online form for comment Wednesday night.
Amid the Epstein firestorm, Trump has taken a swipe at James Comey, saying Epstein-related files were "made up" by him along with former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
Why was Maureen Comey fired?
No official reason was stated in the termination letter, which referenced broad presidential authority and was signed by political appointee Francey Hakes. Media and partisan observers suggest the firings may be politically motivated, potentially connected to Comey's involvement in carrying out high-stakes investigations, her relationship to her father, and recent controversies surrounding DOJ transparency in the Epstein case.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked about the firing during Thursday's press briefing.
When asked, "Did the White House have any knowledge or did the president sign off on Maurene Comey's firing?"
Leavitt replied, "This was a decision that was made by the Department of Justice."
Comey's letter said, "Yesterday was unexpectedly my last day in the Office. I was summarily fired via memo from Main Justice that did not give a reason for my termination."
What People Are Saying
Former Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg, to Newsweek when asked if he thought the Trump administration requested the dismissal: "I think that anyone with the last name of Comey becomes a Target of this Administration."
Comey's full letter stated, "Yesterday was unexpectedly my last day in the Office. I was summarily fired via memo from Main Justice that did not give a reason for my termination.
Every person lucky enough to work in this office constantly hears four words to describe our ethos: Without Fear or Favor. Do the right thing, the right way, for the right reasons without fear of retribution and without favor to the powerful.
For the majority of my nearly ten years in SDNY, fear was never really conceivable. We don't fear bad press; we have the luxury of exceptional security keeping us physically safe; and, so long as we did our work with integrity, we would get to keep serving the public in this office. Our focus was really on acting "without favor." That is, making sure people with access, money, and power were not treated differently than anyone else; and making sure this office remained separate from politics and focused only on the facts and the law.
But we have entered a new phase where "without fear" may be the challenge. If a career prosecutor can be fired without reason, fear may seep into the decisions of those who remain. Do not let that happen. Fear is the tool of a tyrant, wielded to suppress independent thought. Instead of fear, let this moment fuel the fire that already burns at the heart of this place. A fire of righteous indignation at abuses of power. Of commitment to seek justice for victims. Of dedication to truth above all else.
It has been an honor to fight for those principles by your side."
What Happens Next
Congressional calls for more transparency in the handling of the Epstein case are expected to continue. It is immediately unknown who will replace Maurene Comey at SDNY.
Update 7/16/25, 9:01 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update 7/17/25, 2:57 p.m. ET: This headline and article were updated to include Maurene Comey's letter to her colleagues.
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