For the first time in history, a former FBI director is facing trial because the US president wants him to, writes Carsten Küntop of ARD. James Comey is accused of lying to Congress and obstruction of justice.
Trump fired Comey from the FBI in 2017 because he was unhappy with the investigation into contacts between his campaign and Russia in 2016. Since then, Trump has repeatedly demanded that Comey be brought to justice. The most recent was a few days ago with a post on Truth Social addressed to Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is also the US attorney general.
Comey: "I am innocent. I'm not afraid."
"My family and I have known for years that standing up to Donald Trump comes at a cost", Comey himself responded in a video on social media, where he stressed his innocence. "We will not live on our knees. And neither should you. A person I love very much recently said that fear is a tool of tyrants. And she's right. But I'm not afraid," the former FBI director also said. Comey urged people to act and vote.
"For the first time in history, the president has ordered the attorney general to indict his enemies," commented former White House counsel Ty Cobb. "And instead of acting independently, as she should, she says, "Yes, sir. How fast can I do it for you?" added Cobb, who worked for the Trump administration specifically on the investigation into Russian election interference.
The end of the rule of law in America?
The events of the last few days are tragic, according to Cobb: "Either this is the end of the rule of law in America, or it will become a turning point against these authoritarian actions." The process is unprecedented. "Every law student is taught that this is impossible - namely, that the executive branch tells prosecutors who to indict and who not to indict."
The indictment was actually filed by federal prosecutor Lindsey Halligan in Virginia, who was appointed by Trump just a few days ago. Halligan previously worked as the president's lawyer. Her predecessor in office refused to indict Comey because he did not believe there was enough evidence against him.
"This is a sad, dark and truly frightening day for America," said Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal. Trump has targeted Comey, a critic and political opponent, with accusations that appear to be baseless. "Ultimately, a prosecutor chose to recuse himself rather than press charges. And it was only because Trump appointed his own lawyer to succeed him that the charges were brought."
This is the highest point of Trump's campaign so far, in which he has used his power as president to retaliate against people who have criticized him or investigated him. In doing so, he has fulfilled a threat he made repeatedly during the campaign.
Author: Carsten Kuentop