Key takeaways:

• The Comey indictment is likely too weak to hold up in court.
• A former top DOJ lawyer says the charges feel “extraordinarily thin.”
• James Comey could ask for a quick trial to expose the flaws.
• If the case collapses, it may embarrass the former president who brought it.

Flawed Comey Indictment Explained

A brand-new U.S. attorney, Lindsey Halligan, charged former FBI director James Comey. Yet, a former Justice Department official says the Comey indictment is far too weak. Andrew Weissmann, who once led the DOJ’s fraud unit, spoke about this on a popular morning show. He warned that the case seems so thin it might be tossed out right away.

Background on the Comey Indictment

Earlier this year, a grand jury approved charges against Comey. Lindsey Halligan, appointed by the current administration, presented the case herself. Normally, a team of career prosecutors handles such tasks. However, Halligan took the unusual step of going before the grand jury alone.

Why the Indictment Feels Weak

Weissmann found two major red flags. First, the previous U.S. attorney, also picked by the same president, quit rather than bring this case. That resignation surprised many people in the legal world. Second, even some Trump-era prosecutors refused to back the charges. Therefore, Weissmann calls the Comey indictment “extraordinarily thin.”

What Weissmann Said on Morning Joe

On MSNBC’s Morning Joe, Weissmann admitted he was stunned:

“I was shocked that Halligan had to go to the grand jury all by herself. That never happens,” he said. “The prior U.S. attorney chose to resign rather than bring this case. And we’ve seen career people walk away. That should give everyone pause.”

He stressed that this pattern—where people quit instead of supporting the case—points to a serious problem. “If the charges are that weak,” Weissmann added, “then Comey’s team should push for a speedy trial.”

How the Comey Indictment Could Unravel

Seeking a fast court date would force the prosecution to lay out all its evidence quickly. If the case really is thin, it might collapse under scrutiny. Weissmann believes that if Comey’s lawyers move fast, they can highlight every flaw. As a result, the indictment could fall apart long before a full trial.

What’s Next for the Defense Team

James Comey now faces a choice. He can attack the charges right away or wait until pretrial motions. Weissmann suggests an early strategy:

Also, a quick trial request might yield a dismissal or a major setback for the prosecution. Meanwhile, public attention would focus on the weak case rather than on Comey himself.

Potential Embarrassment for Trump

If the Comey indictment fails, it could embarrass the former president who pushed for it. Trump’s critics have long pointed out that legal moves against political rivals often backfire. A public collapse of this case could reinforce that idea.

Moreover, the episode may fuel the belief that Trump’s legal team is using the justice system as a political tool. Trump has faced other setbacks with overreaching charges. In each case, critics warned that weak indictments would rebound on him.

What This Means for U.S. Attorneys

Halligan’s decision to handle the grand jury alone shocked many prosecutors. Usually, newly appointed U.S. attorneys rely on career staff to bring cases. By stepping in herself, she broke with tradition. That move, combined with resignations, sends a message: some legal professionals doubt the case’s merit.

Furthermore, if the Comey indictment crumbles, it could discourage future political appointees from taking on similar charges. They may fear the same fate: resignations, public criticism, and courtroom embarrassments.

Why Speed Matters

A swift trial can pressure the prosecution to prove its claims quickly. Defense lawyers often use early deadlines to force prosecutors to reveal all evidence. If the prosecution lacks solid proof, a judge might throw out the case.

Therefore, Weissmann’s call for speed makes sense. It’s a classic defense tactic when the charges seem weak from the start.

Possible Outcomes

Here are some ways the drama could play out:

• Immediate dismissal. If a judge finds no real evidence, the case could end before trial.
• Reduced charges. The prosecution might drop some counts to focus on stronger ones.
• Full trial. If Comey’s team doesn’t push for speed, the case could drag on.

In any scenario, the Comey indictment will attract heavy media coverage. That spotlight could reveal even more weaknesses.

Final Thoughts

The Comey indictment shows how legal battles can become political showdowns. According to Weissmann, this case looks so thin that it may backfire. If James Comey’s lawyers act quickly, they might dismantle the charges and turn the tables on former President Trump. In that event, the Comey indictment will go down as a high-profile flop.

Frequently Asked Questions

What led to the Comey indictment?

The indictment stems from allegations that James Comey mishandled classified documents after leaving the FBI. Critics say the legal basis is shaky.

Who is Lindsey Halligan?

Lindsey Halligan is the newly appointed U.S. attorney who brought charges against Comey. She made headlines by presenting the case personally.

Why did the prior U.S. attorney resign?

The former U.S. attorney, also appointed by the president, quit instead of charging Comey. That resignation fueled doubts about the case’s strength.

How could the case impact Trump?

If the Comey indictment is dismissed or weakens, it may embarrass Donald Trump. It would reinforce claims that his legal moves are politically driven.