In a dramatic legal development that has captured national attention, US Attorney General Pam Bondi has declared war on a federal court decision that dismissed criminal indictments against two prominent figures. The ruling, which came on November 25, 2025, has sparked immediate plans for counteraction from the Department of Justice.
Judge's Shock Ruling Throws Cases Into Disarray
A federal judge delivered a stunning blow to the Justice Department by throwing out criminal indictments against James Comey, former FBI director, and Letitia James. The court determined that the fundamental issue lay in procedural matters rather than the substance of the cases themselves.
The judge ruled that prosecutor Lindsey Halligan was not lawfully appointed to her interim role in the Eastern District of Virginia. This technicality rendered her position invalid and, consequently, all indictments she filed became legally flawed. The decision highlights the critical importance of proper appointment procedures within the judicial system.
Bondi's Fiery Response and Legal Counterstrike
Attorney General Pam Bondi responded with immediate defiance during a press event in Memphis. She firmly declared that the Department of Justice would pursue "all available legal action" to reopen the matter and ensure accountability for what she termed "unlawful conduct" by the defendants.
Bondi emphasized her commitment to holding both Comey and James accountable despite the procedural setback. Her strong language and determination signal a protracted legal battle ahead as the DOJ prepares its appeal strategy. The Attorney General's uncompromising stance demonstrates the high stakes involved in these cases.
Legal Implications and Future Proceedings
The dismissal based on procedural grounds rather than case merits creates a complex legal scenario. While the judge's decision temporarily halts prosecution, it doesn't address the substance of the allegations against Comey and James. This leaves room for the DOJ to refile charges once the appointment issue is resolved.
Legal experts anticipate that Bondi's appeal will focus on validating Halligan's appointment or seeking alternative pathways to reinstate the indictments. The case has broader implications for how interim appointments are handled within the justice system and could set important precedents for future similar situations.
The timing of this development, coming in late November 2025, ensures that the legal battle will unfold amid significant political attention. Both supporters and critics of the defendants are closely watching how the appeal process will progress in the coming weeks and months.