1A 'If You Can Keep It': James Comey And The Justice Department
Sep 29, 2025
Mary McCord, a former Acting Assistant Attorney General at the DOJ, joined Glenn Thrush, a New York Times reporter on DOJ matters, and Lucan Way, a democracy professor at the University of Toronto. They delve into the unprecedented pressure on the DOJ amidst Trump’s presidency, discussing how prosecuting figures like James Comey raises concerns about political weaponization. Lucan provides insights on authoritarian tactics and their chilling effects on democracy, while Mary highlights the erosion of DOJ independence and the implications for future prosecutions.
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Presidential Pressure Crossed A Norms Line
- The Comey indictment followed a public campaign by President Trump pushing DOJ to prosecute his enemies.
- Reporters and legal experts view this as a significant breach of long-standing DOJ norms protecting independence.
Spotlight Strategy Damages DOJ Morale
- Glenn Thrush describes a pattern of White House spotlighting institutions then pushing prosecutions through allies.
- That pressure leads to resignations, morale collapse, and politicization inside key DOJ offices like EDVA.
A Political Pick Took Over EDVA
- Lindsey Halligan, an insurance lawyer and former member of Trump's defense team, replaced the EDVA U.S. attorney.
- Reporting indicates Halligan was chosen because Trump believed she would carry out his wishes despite limited prosecutorial experience.