James Comey

James Brien Comey Jr., born on December 14, 1960, is a prominent American lawyer and jurist who served as the seventh director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from 2013 until his dismissal in May 2017. His career has spanned various significant roles, including U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York and deputy attorney general during the George W. Bush administration.

After leaving the U.S. Department of Justice in August 2005, Comey transitioned to the private sector, taking on the role of senior vice president and general counsel at Lockheed Martin. He later became general counsel at Bridgewater Associates before returning to academia as a senior research scholar at Columbia Law School in early 2013.

Comey's appointment as FBI director by President Barack Obama marked a pivotal moment in his career. He became widely known for overseeing the investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server, a matter that sparked significant controversy, particularly during the 2016 presidential election. His public statements and decisions during this period drew intense scrutiny and criticism.

On May 9, 2017, Comey was abruptly fired by President Donald Trump, a decision that was linked to the ongoing Mueller investigation. Following his dismissal, Comey became embroiled in further controversy, including allegations of leaking memos detailing his interactions with Trump. Despite facing criticism and investigations into his actions, he maintained that he did not engage in wrongdoing.

In September 2025, Comey faced indictment on charges of making false statements and obstruction, to which he pleaded not guilty. However, the case was dismissed by a federal judge in November of the same year, marking another chapter in his complex and often contentious career.