A U.S. District Judge ruled that Lindsey Halligan, appointed by former President Donald Trump, lacked the legal authority to file charges against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. The judge dismissed the cases, which were viewed as politically motivated actions by Trump against his critics. Halligan, who has no criminal law experience, was selected to replace Erik Siebert, who resigned after refusing to pursue charges based on disputed allegations.

Under federal law, a president can appoint a U.S. attorney temporarily for a maximum of 120 days until a permanent replacement is confirmed. This period had expired before Halligan's appointment, leading the court to maintain Siebert's position. The White House and Attorney General Pam Bondi argued that the 120-day period should reset with Halligan's appointment, but the judge rejected this claim, emphasizing that such a precedent could undermine the Senate confirmation process.

The judge noted that allowing private citizens to secure indictments without proper legal standing would contradict established law. The Wall Street Journal's editorial board commented that failure to adhere to legal procedures often results in unsuccessful cases, suggesting that the Trump Administration's eagerness to pursue charges against perceived enemies contributed to the unraveling of these legal actions. While the Trump Administration could potentially refile the charges, the statute of limitations may have expired in Comey's case.

In a separate development, Joseph Schnitt, a former employee of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), has filed a lawsuit following his dismissal in September 2025. The lawsuit alleges that his termination was retaliatory, stemming from comments he made during a secretly recorded conversation about the government's handling of the Epstein files. Schnitt speculated that the Trump administration would protect certain individuals while exposing others, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in handling sensitive information.

The recording, made public by journalist James O'Keefe, features Schnitt discussing the implications of the Epstein investigation and the treatment of Ghislaine Maxwell. Schnitt's lawsuit claims his remarks were personal opinions based on publicly available information and did not involve confidential knowledge from his role at the DOJ. He argues that the DOJ's actions violated his rights and due process, as he was not given an opportunity to respond to the allegations before his termination. The lawsuit seeks reinstatement, acknowledgment of retaliation by the Trump administration, and back pay.

The controversy surrounding the Epstein files has drawn significant scrutiny towards the administration, particularly regarding its handling of high-profile individuals. The DOJ has not commented on the lawsuit. The situation reflects broader challenges within the Justice Department, including difficulties in securing legal support for indictments against Trump's political opponents, which have been characterized by some as politically motivated. This context is underscored by Trump's public calls for the prosecution of figures like Comey and James, following their roles in investigations against him.