Judge Dismisses Lawsuits Against Two of Trump's Foes

A federal judge dismissed criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, dealing another blow to President Donald Trump's efforts to prosecute his political opponents. The judge ruled that the prosecutor who brought the charges was illegally appointed.

Judge Cameron Carey threw out both cases based on questions about the legitimacy of the prosecutor's appointment. This marks the latest setback for Trump's campaign to use the legal system against those who have challenged him.

The case against Comey centered on allegations that he gave false testimony to Congress. Legal experts had viewed this as part of Trump's broader strategy to target political rivals through the courts. Comey led the FBI during the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, which put him at odds with Trump.

James, a Democrat, faced charges related to her civil lawsuit against Trump. She had accused the former president of fraudulently inflating his personal wealth in business dealings. Her case against Trump resulted in a significant financial judgment, making her a frequent target of Trump's criticism.

The dismissals highlight ongoing legal battles over prosecutorial authority and appointment procedures. Courts have increasingly scrutinized whether certain prosecutors have the proper legal standing to bring cases, especially in politically charged situations.

For Trump, these dismissals represent another legal obstacle in his efforts to turn the tables on investigators and prosecutors who pursued cases against him. The rulings suggest that courts are applying strict standards when evaluating the legitimacy of such prosecutions, regardless of the political dynamics involved.