In Alexandria court, former FBI director rejects two criminal counts tied to his 2020 congressional testimony; trial set for Jan. 5, 2026 amid claims of political retribution
ALEXANDRIA, Va. | In a moment with major implications for the Justice Department and U.S. political norms, former FBI Director James Comey entered a not guilty plea on Wednesday in federal court. The two-count indictment accuses him of making false statements and obstructing a congressional proceeding tied to his 2020 Senate testimony — charges brought under a sharpened spotlight of President Donald Trump’s criticisms and direct calls for prosecutions of his political adversaries.
U.S. District Judge Michael Nachmanoff has scheduled the trial to begin January 5, 2026.
The indictment, returned by a grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia, centers on Comey’s 2020 Senate Judiciary Committee appearance, during which he denied authorizing anonymous FBI leaks to the press. Prosecutors allege that he knowingly misled Congress and subsequently obstructed its inquiry.
Of particular note: the prosecution was brought by Lindsey Halligan, a former personal attorney to Trump who was recently installed as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia — replacing a career prosecutor reportedly reluctant to move forward with charges.
Many observers see this prosecution as part of a broader pattern. Trump has publicly pressured the DOJ to take action against perceived opponents, including Comey, Letitia James, and Adam Schiff.
