Justice Department Seeks Dismissal of Maurene Comey's Lawsuit Over Firing

Fri Dec 05 2025 23:32:45 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The U.S. Justice Department argues that Maurene Comeyt's lawsuit regarding her firing does not adhere to administrative procedures, seeking dismissal ahead of a court hearing.

The U.S. Justice Department is pushing for the dismissal of Maurene Comey's lawsuit, claiming that the former federal prosecutor did not follow the correct administrative channels before proceeding with her case. Comey alleges that her firing was politically motivated due to her father's prominence as a former FBI Director. The Justice Department argues that her claims should go through the Merit Systems Protection Board first. This legal battle comes after Comey's notable prosecutions in high-profile cases, including Ghislaine Maxwell's sex trafficking conviction.

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. Justice Department is seeking dismissal of a lawsuit filed by Maurene Comey, a former federal prosecutor, who claims her termination was politically motivated. The department argues she failed to follow the necessary administrative procedures before pursuing her legal action.

In court filings made on Monday, just days ahead of a Thursday hearing in Manhattan federal court, the Justice Department stated that Comey's claims should have been addressed first by the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). Comey’s lawsuit, which she filed in September, targets not only the Justice Department but also the Executive Office of the President and Attorney General Pamela Bondi.

Comey's filing contends that her firing was unjust and influenced by political reasons, particularly referencing her father's previous role as the FBI Director under President Donald Trump, who dismissed James Comey in 2017. The Justice Department stated that her attempt to appeal her firing through the MSPB was not appropriately executed and asserted that the board is the proper venue for such disputes regarding employment actions.

In response, Comey’s attorneys argue that the MSPB lacks the necessary expertise to handle what they claim are substantial constitutional questions regarding her situation and assert that the board is not a suitable forum for her claims.

Last month, U.S. Attorney John Sarcone from Albany, who took over the case after prosecutors in New York recused themselves, highlighted Comey’s involvement in high-profile prosecutions including the convictions of Ghislaine Maxwell and former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez. These cases underline the contentious nature of Comey’s removal from office, especially in light of recent convictions related to serious criminal activities.

This high-profile case continues to unveil issues of political influence in judicial matters, raising questions about the intersection between personal relationships and professional responsibilities within federal prosecutorial offices.