The NPR Politics Podcast James Comey Indicted On Charges Stemming From 2020 Congressional Testimony
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Sep 26, 2025 James Comey has been indicted over alleged false testimony to Congress in 2020, raising eyebrows about the implications for the rule of law. The podcast discusses President Trump's retaliatory rhetoric and the swift actions from the DOJ under political pressure. It dives into the unusual choice of an inexperienced prosecutor linked to Trump and explores the impact of DOJ changes on cases. Lighthearted moments include a humorous reflection on an aggressive squirrel in San Francisco and a viral TikTok trend about overpriced rocks.
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Charges From 2020 Senate Testimony
- James Comey faces two charges tied to his September 2020 Senate testimony about leaks and the Russia probe.
- The indictment alleges he authorized a leak and lied, though the written charging document is sparse on specifics.
Timing Driven By Statute Of Limitations
- The statute of limitations forced rapid timing: prosecutors had days before expiration.
- President Trump publicly urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to hurry the case, adding pressure to DOJ.
Norms Protecting DOJ Independence Eroded
- The indictment is being framed as a tipping point for norms that protected DOJ independence.
- Mara Liasson warns this move signals an end to the post-Watergate norms separating political aims from prosecutorial decisions.