Story perspectives

Acting AG Indicts Comey on Two Felony Threats to Trump

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche secured a grand-jury indictment against former FBI Director James Comey, the Justice Department’s second prosecution of him in weeks.
The indictment accuses Comey of two felony counts of threatening President Donald Trump in North Carolina over a May 2025 Instagram photo of seashells arranged as “86 47”.
Democratic House Judiciary Committee members called the charge motivated, saying it weaponizes the Justice Department against a Trump opponent.

History

Historical Context

The 1972 Watergate break-in at the DNC headquarters sparked a Senate investigation created in February 1973, leading to John Dean’s televised testimony on June 25 1973 and the indictment of dozens of Nixon aides—69 people were eventually charged. That grand-jury precedent under Attorney General Elliot Richardson informs today’s use of similar powers against former FBI director James Comey.

1 of 2

Story summary

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche secured a grand-jury indictment against former FBI Director James Comey, the Justice Department’s second prosecution of him in weeks.
The indictment accuses Comey of two felony counts of threatening President Donald Trump in North Carolina over a May 2025 Instagram photo of seashells arranged as “86 47”.
Democratic House Judiciary Committee members called the charge motivated, saying it weaponizes the Justice Department against a Trump opponent.

1 / 2