Up First from NPR Comey and James Indictments Dismissed, New Ukraine Peace Plan, Pressure On Venezuela
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Nov 25, 2025 
Carrie Johnson, an investigative reporter covering the Justice Department, discusses a federal judge's dismissal of the indictments against James Comey and Letitia James due to improper appointment. She elaborates on the implications for presidential power. Eleanor Beardsley, an NPR correspondent in Europe, contrasts a new European peace proposal for Ukraine with Trump's plan, highlighting Zelensky's cautious response. The podcast also touches on the U.S. labeling of Maduro as a terror leader, underscoring the rising tensions in Venezuela.
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Limits On Presidential Prosecutorial Power
- A judge ruled indictments of James Comey and Letitia James invalid because the prosecutor was improperly appointed.
- The ruling signals courts are limiting presidential power to install U.S. attorneys without Senate confirmation.
Comey And James Reacted Publicly
- Jim Comey posted a video calling the case against him based on "malevolence and incompetence."
- Letitia James said she remains fearless and praised the lawyers who refused to bring politically motivated charges.
A Pattern Of Appointment Rulings
- Multiple courts this year found U.S. attorneys were not legally appointed in several districts.
- That pattern shows judiciary pushback on executive overreach in staffing powerful local prosecutors.