Trump administration illegally fired James Comey's daughter, judge rules
A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration illegally fired Maurene Comey, a federal prosecutor and daughter of former FBI director James Comey. The court ordered her reinstatement and back pay, citing violations of constitutional rights and fair legal process.
Why it matters
The ruling highlights ongoing legal scrutiny regarding political influence within the US Department of Justice.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Maurene Comey has worked on a number of high-profile legal cases
The US justice department illegally fired Maurene Comey, the daughter of former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director James Comey, a federal judge has ruled.
Comey, who lost her job as a federal prosecutor in New York in July 2025, sued the government, arguing she was unlawfully fired because of her father, a critic of US President Donald Trump, and because of her perceived political affiliations.
Judge Jesse Furman ruled on Monday that the Trump administration must reinstate her and that she must be given back pay.
A spokesperson for the justice department said in a statement that it disagreed with the decision and "will appeal in due course".
In his ruling, Judge Furman said Comey's dismissal violated the US Constitution as well as her right to a fair legal process.
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5 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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