Judge Rules Trump Administration Illegally Fired James Comey's Daughter

A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration illegally fired Maurene Comey, the daughter of former FBI Director James Comey, and ordered her reinstatement with back pay. The decision by Judge Jesse Furman found that Comey's dismissal in July 2025 violated the Constitution and her right to a fair legal process.

Maurene Comey, who served as a federal prosecutor in New York, had sued the government, alleging her termination was unlawful and motivated by her father's status as a critic of former President Donald Trump or by her own perceived political affiliations.

In his ruling, Judge Furman stated that while the US attorney general can dismiss federal prosecutors, such actions must adhere to specific procedures and justifications. He noted Comey's consistent high performance and her involvement in significant cases, including those against Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Sean "Diddy" Combs.

The Justice Department has indicated it disagrees with the ruling and intends to appeal. Comey's lawyers celebrated the decision, calling it a victory for civil servants and the rule of law. They stated that Comey was previously told her firing "came from Washington."

Court filings from the Justice Department identified former Attorney General Pam Bondi as the decision-maker in Comey's termination. The Trump administration has previously pursued charges against James Comey, though one case was dismissed due to the unlawful appointment of the prosecutor. Earlier in 2025, the Justice Department charged James Comey with threatening the president, an accusation he has denied.