US President Donald Trump on Friday called for more of his political rivals to face prosecution as he celebrated the indictment of former FBI director James Comey, whom he branded a “dirty cop.”
The Republican leader’s remarks mark an intensification of his campaign of political retribution — an approach that breaks with decades of US precedent, where presidents avoided interfering with Justice Department cases.
“Frankly I hope there are others,” Trump told reporters at the White House when asked about Comey’s indictment, describing his opponents as “corrupt, radical-left Democrats.”
He rejected suggestions that his drive was fueled by vengeance. “It’s not revenge. It’s about the fact that you can’t let this go on.”
Comey was charged Thursday with making false statements and obstruction of justice linked to his handling of the FBI’s 2016 probe into alleged collusion between Trump’s campaign and Russia. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison.
“He’s a dirty cop, he’s always been a dirty cop,” Trump said.
The charges came just days after Trump urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to pursue action against Comey and other adversaries, including Letitia James, New York’s attorney general who brought a civil fraud case against Trump; and Senator Adam Schiff, who led Trump’s first impeachment trial in 2019.
Reports also suggest the Justice Department is seeking information on Fani Willis, the Georgia prosecutor who filed election interference charges against Trump before being removed from the case over an alleged conflict of interest.
‘Not afraid’
In a video posted on Instagram, Comey denied wrongdoing and said: “I’m not afraid.” He has long accused Trump of weaponizing the justice system against critics.
Current FBI chief Kash Patel dismissed claims that the charges were politically motivated, calling Democratic criticism “hypocrisy on steroids.” Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche also denied the president’s remarks had pressured the DOJ.
Still, legal analysts note the case against Comey faces hurdles. The statute of limitations on his alleged false statements expires Tuesday, raising questions about the rushed indictment. The previous chief prosecutor in Virginia declined to press charges before resigning under pressure — and was replaced by Lindsey Halligan, a Trump loyalist with no prior prosecutorial experience.
Trump’s feud with Comey dates back to 2017, when he fired him amid the Russia probe, a controversy the president continues to call the “Russia hoax.” Since returning to office in January, Trump has vowed to settle scores with officials, prosecutors, and institutions he says sought to undermine him.
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Niger turns to Nigerian ports amid diplomatic row with Benin Republic
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