James Comey, the former FBI Director, broke his silence on Sunday evening, delivering a scathing critique of President Trump following the abrupt firing of his daughter, Maurene Comey, from her position as a federal prosecutor in the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s office.
Maurene Comey was dismissed last Wednesday without any specified reason, as reported by the Associated Press, citing an anonymous source who discussed personnel matters under the condition of anonymity.
While Maurene did not directly name Trump in her remarks, her message to colleagues following her termination implied strong criticism of the administration. “Fear is the tool of a tyrant, wielded to suppress independent thought,” she stated, encapsulating the sentiment of many who are concerned about the implications of political interference in justice.
In a lengthy 5-minute video posted on his Substack page, James Comey elaborated on his views regarding Trump and what he described as the “hacks” at the Justice Department. He also read aloud his daughter’s farewell message, which underscored the values that should guide those in the field of law.
JAMES COMEY
“Hello everyone, and welcome back to my Substack. This week, I want to reflect on the concept of justice. The ability of the Justice Department to safeguard the American populace is rooted in a unique gift granted to every employee upon joining. This gift may not be fully recognized until they assert their identity as a Justice employee, whether in a courtroom, at a conference, or even at a casual gathering.”
“They discover that total strangers will trust what they say next. They are believed not as members of a political party, but rather as individuals committed to doing what is right—separate from the typical partisan divide that often clouds judgment.”
“For many years, I’ve likened this gift to a reservoir of trust and credibility—one that is cultivated drop by drop by those who came before them. These are individuals who made sacrifices, acknowledged their mistakes, and made difficult choices guided solely by the facts and the law.”
“It is the duty of every Justice employee to safeguard this reservoir, ensuring it is preserved for future generations who may never know the names of those who built it.”
“However, the challenge lies in the fact that while it takes immense dedication to fill this reservoir, a single crack in the dam can drain it rapidly. Protecting this reservoir demands unwavering commitment to truth and an understanding that each person’s actions can have far-reaching consequences.”
“I devised the reservoir metaphor years ago when I served as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, while my family and I lived far north of the city—still within my jurisdiction but in a more affordable area for our family of five. We were surrounded by reservoirs, which were crucial to the city’s water supply.”
“My five children played near those reservoirs, one of which was just across the street. One of them grew up to be a federal prosecutor in that same Southern District of New York and became a key figure, holding the powerful accountable.”
James Comey Reads Maurene’s Farewell Message
Last week, she penned a letter I wish to share:
“Yesterday marked my unexpected last day in the office. I received a memo from Main Justice terminating my position without providing a reason. In our office, we frequently hear four words that encapsulate our ethos: without fear or favor.”
“Our guiding principle is to do what is right, the right way, for the right reasons—without fear of retribution and without favoritism towards the powerful. For most of my nearly ten years in SDNY, fear was not a factor. We weren’t concerned about negative media coverage, and we enjoyed exceptional security that kept us safe.”
“As long as we performed our duties with integrity, we could continue serving the public. Our focus was on impartiality—ensuring that those with wealth or influence were not treated differently from anyone else, maintaining the office’s separation from politics and adhering strictly to the facts and the law.”
“However, we have now entered a phase where the absence of fear may become problematic. If a career prosecutor can be dismissed without justification, fear may start to infiltrate the decisions of those who remain. Do not let that happen. Fear is a tyrant’s tool, used to stifle independent thought.”
“Instead of succumbing to fear, let this moment ignite the fire that already burns within this office—a fire of righteous indignation against abuses of power, a commitment to justice for victims, and a dedication to truth above all else. It has been a privilege to fight for these principles alongside you.”
And she signed it: Maurene.
James Comey Critiques Trump and the Justice Department
At the end of the video message, James Comey launched into a critique of Trump and the “hacks” at the Justice Department:
JAMES COMEY: “I don’t have much to add, except to say: the reservoir is in serious jeopardy at this moment. Trump and the hacks leading the Department of Justice are relentlessly attacking the dam, attempting to convert it into just another Trump-branded enterprise.”
“Our best hope is that principled individuals will remain and heed Maurene’s call—to have the courage to always do what’s right. You may face dismissal for taking that stand, but there is honor in it, while disgrace lies with those who choose not to act.”
“The coming weeks under the Trump administration will undoubtedly present challenges, and this has been a difficult time for my family. Yet, there are still many dedicated individuals within the Department committed to upholding the rule of law.”
“For their sake—because of them—let’s keep the faith.”
WATCH:
