Story perspectives

DOJ Opposes Comey Bid to Dismiss Threat Indictment

8/20/2026

Summary

DOJ Opposes Comey

The Department of Justice opposed former FBI Director James Comey’s motion to dismiss the indictment.
The DOJ said the Instagram “86 47” post threatened President Donald Trump’s life.
The DOJ argued a jury should decide the threat issue and rejected vindictive-prosecution claims.
The DOJ said presidential direction of prosecutors is constitutional, not improper pressure.
Comey’s lawyers must respond by Sept. 1 after the filing noted U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle acted independently.

Summary

Doddamani Sues DOJ

Sunita Doddamani sued Attorney General Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump’s office, and the Department of Justice over April 13 termination while on leave.
The complaint alleges First and Fifth Amendment and Civil Service Reform Act violations and seeks reversal.
The Department of Justice said it dismissed employees weaponizing the FACE Act.
Doddamani says Merit Systems Protection Board relief is futile and is suing in federal court after gaining employment by April 27.

History

Historical Context

Watergate began with the June 17 1972 burglary of the DNC headquarters, leading to Archibald Cox’s appointment as special prosecutor in May 1973 and the October 20 1973 “Saturday Night Massacre.” The scandal prompted congressional reforms such as the 1974 Privacy Act and the indictment of 69 participants. Today the DOJ’s challenge to James Comey’s firing echoes those oversight battles.

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DOJ Opposes Comey

The Department of Justice opposed former FBI Director James Comey’s motion to dismiss the indictment.
The DOJ said the Instagram “86 47” post threatened President Donald Trump’s life.
The DOJ argued a jury should decide the threat issue and rejected vindictive-prosecution claims.
The DOJ said presidential direction of prosecutors is constitutional, not improper pressure.
Comey’s lawyers must respond by Sept. 1 after the filing noted U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle acted independently.

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