Story perspectives

Acting AG Indicts Comey Over 2025 Instagram Threat to Trump

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced an indictment of FBI director James Comey for a May 2025 Instagram post that prosecutors say threatened President Donald Trump.
Comey said he did not realize the numbers could be read as violent and removed the image.
Blanche said the Justice Department will not tolerate threats to the president and noted the indictment follows a September charge dismissed after a judge ruled interim prosecutor unlawful.

History

Historical Context

The Watergate break-in on June 17 1972 led to a Senate investigation, the indictment of White House counsel John Mitchell and the appointment of special prosecutor Archibald Cox in 1973. The scandal ultimately saw 69 officials charged and forced President Nixon’s resignation in 1974. The 2025 indictment of FBI Director James Comey draws on that precedent to reaffirm congressional checks on senior officials.

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Story summary

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced an indictment of FBI director James Comey for a May 2025 Instagram post that prosecutors say threatened President Donald Trump.
Comey said he did not realize the numbers could be read as violent and removed the image.
Blanche said the Justice Department will not tolerate threats to the president and noted the indictment follows a September charge dismissed after a judge ruled interim prosecutor unlawful.

1 / 2