Maurene Comey Sues DOJ Over Firing

Maurene Comey, daughter of former FBI Director James Comey, filed a federal lawsuit Monday challenging her abrupt July dismissal as a Manhattan federal prosecutor.

Key Details

The complaint, filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleges Comey’s termination was “unlawful and unconstitutional” and politically motivated. The 10-year veteran prosecutor received no explanation for her dismissal beyond a July 16 email citing only “Article II of the United States Constitution”.

Background on Dismissal

Comey was fired one day after supervisors asked her to lead a “major public corruption case” and just three months after receiving an “Outstanding” performance review. When she requested an explanation from interim U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, he reportedly said: “All I can say is it came from Washington. I can’t tell you anything else”.

High-Profile Cases

During her tenure at the Southern District of New York, Comey handled several prominent prosecutions:

  • Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell: Comey was part of the team prosecuting the sex trafficking cases, with Maxwell receiving a 20-year sentence
  • Sean “Diddy” Combs: She directed questioning of key witnesses in his recent trial, where he was convicted on prostitution transportation charges but acquitted of racketeering
  • Robert Menendez: Participated in prosecuting the former New Jersey senator on bribery charges

Political Context

The lawsuit argues Comey was terminated “solely or substantially because her father is former FBI Director James B. Comey, or because of her perceived political affiliation and beliefs”. James Comey was fired by President Trump in 2017 during the Russia investigation and has remained a vocal Trump critic.

The dismissal occurred amid broader Justice Department personnel changes and coincided with far-right activist Laura Loomer’s social media campaign calling for Comey’s firing.

Comey’s attorneys contend the president lacks authority to fire career federal prosecutors protected by civil service regulations. The lawsuit names Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Justice Department, and the Executive Office of the President as defendants.

The complaint seeks reinstatement, back pay, and legal costs while arguing that such politically motivated dismissals “upend bedrock principles of our democracy and justice system”.

A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment on the litigation.