Story perspectives

Judge Cancels Comey Court Appearance Amid Threat Charges

5/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. District Judge Louise Flanagan granted James Comey's request to cancel his North Carolina court appearance.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said investigators have evidence beyond the Instagram post.
Legal experts have questioned whether the Justice Department can meet the high intent standard.
James Comey was charged with two counts of willfully communicating a threat against President Donald Trump by posting an Instagram photo of seashells arranged as “86 47.”

History

Historical Context

The Constitution gives the House sole power to impeach and the Senate sole power to try a president, requiring a two-thirds (67-vote) supermajority to convict. In December 1998 the House impeached Bill Clinton on perjury and obstruction charges, but the Senate failed to reach that threshold. That precedent shapes today’s debate over James Comey’s alleged threats against Donald Trump.

1 of 2

Story summary

U.S. District Judge Louise Flanagan granted James Comey's request to cancel his North Carolina court appearance.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said investigators have evidence beyond the Instagram post.
Legal experts have questioned whether the Justice Department can meet the high intent standard.
James Comey was charged with two counts of willfully communicating a threat against President Donald Trump by posting an Instagram photo of seashells arranged as “86 47.”

1 / 2