Trump administration illegally fired James Comey's daughter, judge rules

October 27, 2026

A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration illegally terminated Maurene Comey, a federal prosecutor in New York and daughter of former FBI Director James Comey, from her position in July 2025. The judge determined her dismissal violated constitutional protections and due process rights, ordering her reinstatement with back pay through December 2025 when she secured alternative employment. Maurene Comey, who had worked on prominent cases involving Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Sean "Diddy" Combs, argued she was fired due to her father's criticism of President Trump and her perceived political views.

Who is affected

Maurene Comey (federal prosecutor who was fired)
James Comey (former FBI Director and Maurene's father, facing federal charges)
The Trump administration and Justice Department (ordered to reinstate Maurene Comey and provide back pay)
Civil servants generally (according to Comey's lawyers' statement)
Federal prosecutors in the US Attorney's office in New York

What action is being taken

Judge Jesse Furman has ordered the Trump administration to reinstate Maurene Comey and provide her back pay from July through December 2025
The Justice Department is appealing the judge's decision
Federal prosecutors are charging James Comey with leaking national defense information (filed on Monday)

Why it matters

This case has significant implications for protecting civil servants from politically motivated terminations and upholding constitutional protections against improper dismissals. The ruling reinforces that even high-level government officials like the attorney general must follow proper procedures and have legitimate reasons when firing federal employees, rather than basing decisions on family relationships or perceived political affiliations. The case also highlights concerns about potential retaliation against family members of Trump critics and the broader issue of politicization within the Justice Department.

What's next

The Justice Department will appeal the court's decision
Maurene Comey's reinstatement process will proceed (though she accepted a new job in December 2025)
James Comey's legal cases will continue, including the newly filed charges for leaking national defense information

Read full article from source: BBC