Judge Rules Trump DOJ Unlawfully Fired Maurene Comey

A federal judge in Manhattan ruled Monday that the Justice Department unlawfully fired Maurene Comey. She is a former federal prosecutor and the daughter of former FBI Director James Comey.

• Furman found the firing violated the Civil Service Reform Act.
• December 20, 2025 marks the end date for her reinstatement and back pay.
• Comey prosecuted Ghislaine Maxwell and Sean "Diddy" Combs in the Manhattan office.
• She joined law firm Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler as a partner in February.

Why it matters: The ruling limits how the administration can remove career prosecutors, who typically serve under presidents of both parties. The Justice Department argued they can be fired without cause.

• Furman said the government's position conflicts with nearly two centuries of Supreme Court precedent.
• Comey alleged she was fired because of her father, a longtime Trump adversary.

How 56 sources split on this story

What’s next: The Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the ruling.

• Reinstatement through December 2025 would let Comey qualify for retirement benefits, her lawsuit said.
• Will the Justice Department appeal the ruling?
• Outlets differ on the firing date: most report July 2025, while Mediaite reports August 2025.