Up First from NPR Comey Indictment, Hegseth Summons Military Leaders, Impending Shutdown
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Sep 26, 2025 James Comey faces indictment over obstructive testimony during his 2020 Senate hearing, raising political tensions. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's unprecedented global military meeting hints at significant forthcoming changes in defense strategy. Meanwhile, a looming federal shutdown has Democrats accusing the White House of intimidation tactics, amid negotiations over health care funding and the threat of mass layoffs. The political landscape continues to shift dramatically as these stories unfold.
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Comey Indictment Followed Rapid DOJ Changes
- The DOJ indicted James Comey after the White House replaced a career prosecutor and appointed an inexperienced replacement.
- Prosecutors must prove Comey knowingly lied to Congress, which is a high legal bar.
High Legal Bar For Proving False Testimony
- Making charges stick requires proving Comey knowingly lied about a material fact, a difficult legal standard.
- The case may invite claims of selective or vindictive prosecution given political context.
Weaponizing Justice Raises Wider Fears
- The Comey indictment signals a major escalation in targeting political critics through DOJ.
- Veterans worry this pattern of prosecutions could undermine the justice system and public safety.