Eric Tucker, The Associated Press

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Judge dismisses Comey, James indictments after finding that prosecutor was illegally appointed

Judge dismisses Comey, James indictments after finding that prosecutor was illegally appointed

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge on Monday dismissed the criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, concluding that the prosecutor who brought the charges at President Donald Trump’s urging was illegally appointed by the Justice Department.

Justice Department insists Comey indictment was properly approved as it tries to keep case afloat

Justice Department insists Comey indictment was properly approved as it tries to keep case afloat

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A day after the Justice Department acknowledged to a federal judge that the full grand jury had not reviewed the final indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, the Trump-appointed U.S. attorney overseeing the case abruptly reversed herself, insisting Thursday that the panel properly approved the charges as she tried to contain the fallout from earlier statements...

James Comey and Letitia James press for dismissal of their cases, challenge prosecutor's appointment

James Comey and Letitia James press for dismissal of their cases, challenge prosecutor's appointment

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) -- Lawyers for two of President Donald Trump's foes who have been charged by the Justice Department asked a judge on Thursday to dismiss the cases against them, saying the prosecutor who secured the indictments was illegally installed in the role.

Judge hears arguments challenging appointment of prosecutor who charged James Comey, Letitia James

Judge hears arguments challenging appointment of prosecutor who charged James Comey, Letitia James

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) -- Lawyers for two of President Donald Trump's foes who have been charged by the Justice Department asked a judge on Thursday to dismiss the cases against them, saying the prosecutor who secured the indictments was illegally installed in the role.

Judge to hear arguments challenging appointment of prosecutor who charged James Comey, Letitia James

Judge to hear arguments challenging appointment of prosecutor who charged James Comey, Letitia James

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) -- Lawyers for two of President Donald Trump's foes who have been charged by the Justice Department are set to ask a federal judge Thursday to dismiss the cases against them, saying the prosecutor who secured the indictments was illegally installed in the role.

Letitia James calls mortgage fraud case against her vindictive and asks judge to dismiss it

Letitia James calls mortgage fraud case against her vindictive and asks judge to dismiss it

WASHINGTON (AP) -- New York Attorney General Letitia James asked a federal judge Friday to dismiss a mortgage fraud case against her, calling it a vindictive and politically motivated prosecution brought at the behest of a president who regards her as an enemy.

FBI fires agents photographed kneeling during 2020 racial justice protest, AP sources say

FBI fires agents photographed kneeling during 2020 racial justice protest, AP sources say

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The FBI has fired agents who were photographed kneeling during a racial justice protest in Washington that followed the 2020 death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers, three people familiar with the matter said Friday.

A look at the Trump-Comey relationship and the indictment against the former FBI director

A look at the Trump-Comey relationship and the indictment against the former FBI director

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The indictment of former FBI Director James Comey represents the first criminal case against a perceived adversary of President Donald Trump so far in this administration and comes on the heels of his public demands for Justice Department prosecutions of people he dislikes.

FBI Director Kash Patel clashes with skeptical Democrats at contentious Senate hearing

FBI Director Kash Patel clashes with skeptical Democrats at contentious Senate hearing

WASHINGTON (AP) -- FBI Director Kash Patel clashed with skeptical Democrats at a contentious Senate oversight hearing Tuesday, defending his record amid criticism that he has politicized the nation's premier federal law enforcement agency and pursued retribution against perceived adversaries of President Donald Trump.

FBI Director Kash Patel clashes with skeptical Democrats at contentious hearing

FBI Director Kash Patel clashes with skeptical Democrats at contentious hearing

WASHINGTON (AP) -- FBI Director Kash Patel clashed with skeptical Democrats at a contentious Senate oversight hearing Tuesday, defending his record amid criticism that he has politicized the nation's premier federal law enforcement agency and pursued retribution against perceived adversaries of President Donald Trump.

Patel touts his record at hearing amid questions over probe into Kirk killing and FBI upheaval

Patel touts his record at hearing amid questions over probe into Kirk killing and FBI upheaval

WASHINGTON (AP) -- FBI Director Kash Patel touted his leadership of the nation's premier federal law enforcement agency at a congressional hearing likely to be dominated by questions about the investigation into Charlie Kirk's killing and the recent firings of senior FBI officials who have accused Patel of illegal political retribution.

Patel faces Senate amid questions over probe into Charlie Kirk's killing and internal FBI upheaval

Patel faces Senate amid questions over probe into Charlie Kirk's killing and internal FBI upheaval

WASHINGTON (AP) -- FBI Director Kash Patel is confronting skeptical Senate Democrats at a congressional hearing Tuesday likely to be dominated by questions about the investigation into Charlie Kirk's killing as well as the recent firings of senior FBI officials who have accused Patel of illegal political retribution.

Patel to face Senate amid questions over probe into Charlie Kirk's killing and internal FBI upheaval

Patel to face Senate amid questions over probe into Charlie Kirk's killing and internal FBI upheaval

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Kash Patel will confront skeptical Senate Democrats at a congressional hearing Tuesday likely to be dominated by questions about the investigation into Charlie Kirk's killing as well as the recent firings of senior officials who have accused the FBI director of illegal political retribution.

FBI agents who had accused bureau of politicization during Biden administration reach settlements

FBI agents who had accused bureau of politicization during Biden administration reach settlements

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Justice Department has reached settlements with a group of current and former FBI agents who have said they were disciplined for invoking personal and political views, including about the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot and the COVID-19 vaccine, or for clashing with supervisors about approaches to investigations, their lawyers said Tuesday.

What's known and not yet known about the Justice Department's scrutiny of Trump-Russia probe origins

WASHINGTON (AP) -- News that Attorney General Pam Bondi is moving to criminally investigate the Obama-era origins of the Trump-Russia investigation means that one of the most studied, and politically polarizing, chapters of modern American history will be under the microscope yet again.

Lawyers for Epstein's former girlfriend say she's open to interview with Congress, if given immunity

Lawyers for Epstein's former girlfriend say she's open to interview with Congress, if given immunity

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Ghislaine Maxwell, the imprisoned former girlfriend of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, is open to answering questions from Congress -- but only if she is granted immunity from future prosecution for her testimony, her lawyers said Tuesday.

Trump's onetime friendship with Jeffrey Epstein is well-known  -  and also documented in records

Trump's onetime friendship with Jeffrey Epstein is well-known - and also documented in records

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The revelation that Attorney General Pam Bondi told President Donald Trump that his name was in the Jeffrey Epstein files has focused fresh attention on the president's relationship with the wealthy financier and the Justice Department's announcement this month that it would not be releasing any additional documents from the case.

Trump won't recommend special counsel in Epstein investigation, spokeswoman says

Trump won't recommend special counsel in Epstein investigation, spokeswoman says

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump will not recommend a special counsel in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, a White House spokeswoman said Thursday, turning aside calls for further action in an inquiry that has roiled the Justice Department and angered supporters who had been expecting a treasure trove of documents from the case.

Furor over Epstein files sparks clash between Bondi and Bongino at the Justice Department

Furor over Epstein files sparks clash between Bondi and Bongino at the Justice Department

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Justice Department and FBI are struggling to contain the fallout and appease the demands of far-right conservative personalities and influential members of President Donald Trump's base after the administration's decision this week to withhold records from the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation.

Fallout over Epstein files cascades, roiling relations between AG Pam Bondi and FBI's Dan Bongino

Fallout over Epstein files cascades, roiling relations between AG Pam Bondi and FBI's Dan Bongino

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Justice Department and FBI are struggling to contain the fallout and appease the demands of far-right conservative personalities and influential members of President Donald Trump's base after the administration's decision this week to withhold records from the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation.

Years later, key figures in Russia investigation face new scrutiny from Trump administration

Years later, key figures in Russia investigation face new scrutiny from Trump administration

WASHINGTON (AP) -- FBI Director Kash Patel pledged at his confirmation hearing that the bureau would not look backward, but the Trump administration's fresh scrutiny of the Russia investigation has brought back into focus a years-old inquiry that continues to infuriate the Republican president.

Trump comes to Bondi's defense amid uproar from his base over Jeffrey Epstein files flop

Trump comes to Bondi's defense amid uproar from his base over Jeffrey Epstein files flop

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump leapt to the defense of Attorney General Pam Bondi on Tuesday in the face of mounting criticism from far-right influencers and conservative internet personalities over the Justice Department's abrupt refusal to release additional documents from the Jeffrey Epstein sex-trafficking investigation.

Judge rejects another Trump executive order targeting the legal community

Judge rejects another Trump executive order targeting the legal community

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A federal judge on Friday struck down another of President Donald Trump's executive orders targeting law firms.

Family of ex-FBI agent presumed dead in Iran hopes talks with US can lead to return of his remains

Family of ex-FBI agent presumed dead in Iran hopes talks with US can lead to return of his remains

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The family of a retired FBI agent presumed dead after vanishing in Iran 18 years ago is calling for any deal between the United States and Iran to include the return of his remains.

Trump calls for special prosecutor to investigate 2020 election, reviving longstanding grievance

Trump calls for special prosecutor to investigate 2020 election, reviving longstanding grievance

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump on Friday called for the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate the 2020 election won by Democrat Joe Biden, repeating his baseless claim that the contest was marred by widespread fraud.

Trump's latest pardons benefit an array of political allies and public figures

Trump's latest pardons benefit an array of political allies and public figures

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A governor who resigned amid a corruption scandal and served two stints in federal prison. A New York Republican who resigned from Congress after a tax fraud conviction and who made headlines for threatening to throw a reporter off a Capitol balcony over a question he didn't like. Reality TV stars convicted of cheating banks and evading...

Judge blocks another Trump executive order targeting a major law firm

Judge blocks another Trump executive order targeting a major law firm

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A federal judge on Friday permanently blocked another of President Donald Trump's executive orders targeting a major law firm, calling it unconstitutional retaliation designed to punish lawyers for their legal work that the White House does not like.

A day after saying FBI needs more resources, Patel strikes different tone to Congress on budget plan

A day after saying FBI needs more resources, Patel strikes different tone to Congress on budget plan

WASHINGTON (AP) -- FBI Director Kash Patel said Thursday that he would make the bureau's mission "work on whatever budget we're given," striking a different tone from comments a day earlier in which he called for the agency to be funded at far higher levels than what the Trump administration had proposed.

A day after saying FBI needs more resources, Patel strikes different note to Congress on budget plan

A day after saying FBI needs more resources, Patel strikes different note to Congress on budget plan

WASHINGTON (AP) -- FBI Director Kash Patel pledged Thursday to make the bureau's mission "work on whatever budget we're given," striking a different tone from comments a day earlier in which he called for the agency to be funded at far higher levels than what the Trump administration had proposed.

Washington lawyer sues Trump administration over revocation of security clearance

Washington lawyer sues Trump administration over revocation of security clearance

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A prominent Washington attorney sued the Trump administration Monday over the revocation of his security clearance, calling it an act of "improper political retribution" that jeopardizes his ability to continue representing clients in sensitive national security cases.

Judge blocks Trump executive order targeting elite law firm, a blow to his retribution campaign

Judge blocks Trump executive order targeting elite law firm, a blow to his retribution campaign

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A federal judge on Friday blocked a White House executive order targeting an elite law firm, dealing a setback to President Donald Trump's campaign of retribution against the legal profession.

FBI reassigns agents photographed kneeling during 2020 racial justice protest, AP sources say

FBI reassigns agents photographed kneeling during 2020 racial justice protest, AP sources say

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The FBI has reassigned several agents who were photographed kneeling during a racial justice protest in Washington that followed the 2020 death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers, two people familiar with the matter said Wednesday.

Another federal judge expresses skepticism over Trump law firm executive orders

Another federal judge expresses skepticism over Trump law firm executive orders

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Another federal judge in Washington has expressed skepticism on the legality of President Donald Trump's executive order targeting a prominent law firm, saying he was concerned that the clear purpose of the edict was punishment.

Two major law firms urge judges to permanently block Trump's executive orders

Two major law firms urge judges to permanently block Trump's executive orders

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Two major law firms asked separate judges Wednesday to permanently block President Donald Trump's executive orders that were meant to punish them and harm their business operations.

Federal judge expresses deep skepticism over Trump law firm executive order

Federal judge expresses deep skepticism over Trump law firm executive order

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A federal judge expressed deep skepticism Wednesday over a President Donald Trump executive order targeting a prominent law firm, signaling that she was inclined to grant a request to permanently block its enforcement.

Law firms fighting Trump to ask judges to permanently block executive orders

Law firms fighting Trump to ask judges to permanently block executive orders

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Two major law firms are expected to ask separate judges on Wednesday to permanently block President Donald Trump's executive orders that were designed to punish them and hurt their business operations.

Justice Department sharply criticizes judge who blocked enforcement of an order targeting a law firm

Justice Department sharply criticizes judge who blocked enforcement of an order targeting a law firm

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Justice Department is sharply criticizing a judge who halted enforcement of a White House executive order meant to punish a prominent law firm, continuing a pattern of Trump administration attacks on the judiciary over decisions that officials don't like.

Justice Department suggests US agencies are free to disregard judge's order in law firm dispute

Justice Department suggests US agencies are free to disregard judge's order in law firm dispute

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Justice Department has suggested to federal agencies that they are free to disregard a judge's ruling that halted enforcement of a White House executive order meant to punish a prominent law firm.

About 500 law firms sign brief challenging Trump's executive orders targeting the legal community

About 500 law firms sign brief challenging Trump's executive orders targeting the legal community

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump's executive orders targeting the legal community pose "a grave threat to our system of constitutional governance and to the rule of law itself," according to a court filing submitted Friday by more than 500 law firms.

Law firms fear Trump orders could affect security clearances of lawyers who are military reservists

Law firms fear Trump orders could affect security clearances of lawyers who are military reservists

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump says his executive orders targeting law firms are being issued in the name of national security, with the White House asserting that the firms don't deserve access to sensitive U.S. government information.

Major international law firm reaches deal with White House, becoming the latest to do so

Major international law firm reaches deal with White House, becoming the latest to do so

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Another major international law firm has reached a deal with President Donald Trump to dedicate at least $100 million in free legal services to causes such as supporting veterans and combating antisemitism, the White House and the law firm announced Tuesday.

A look at the judge who blocked Trump's deportations and is now facing calls for impeachment

A look at the judge who blocked Trump's deportations and is now facing calls for impeachment

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The federal judge who ruled against Donald Trump's deportation plans and is now facing calls for his impeachment is no stranger to politically fraught cases -- including ones involving the president.

Law firm sues over Trump executive order that seeks to suspend security clearances

Law firm sues over Trump executive order that seeks to suspend security clearances

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A law firm targeted by President Donald Trump over its legal services during the 2016 presidential campaign sued the federal government Tuesday over an executive order that seeks to strip its attorneys of security clearances.

Trump targets security clearances of law firm over actions related to 2016 Russia investigation

Trump targets security clearances of law firm over actions related to 2016 Russia investigation

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump said Thursday he was moving to suspend the security clearances of attorneys at a prominent law firm linked to Democratic-funded opposition research during the 2016 presidential campaign into ties between the Republican candidate and Russia.

Trump targets security clearances of law firm entangled in 2016 Russia investigation

Trump targets security clearances of law firm entangled in 2016 Russia investigation

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump said Thursday he was suspending the security clearances of attorneys at a prominent law firm involved in launching since-discredited opposition research during the 2016 presidential campaign into any ties between the Republican candidate and Russia.

FBI committed to bringing home American hostages held in foreign countries, director says

FBI committed to bringing home American hostages held in foreign countries, director says

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The FBI will work to "zero out" the population of Americans detained or held hostage in foreign countries, Director Kash Patel said Thursday at a State Department ceremony honoring the hostage community and their families.

Senate panel advances nomination of Kash Patel, Trump's pick to lead the FBI

Senate panel advances nomination of Kash Patel, Trump's pick to lead the FBI

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate Judiciary Committee voted along party lines on Thursday to advance the nomination of Kash Patel, Donald Trump's pick for FBI director, pushing past Democratic concerns that he would operate as a loyalist for the president and target perceived adversaries of the White House.

Pardons by Trump and Biden reveal distrust of each other and wobbly faith in criminal justice system

Pardons by Trump and Biden reveal distrust of each other and wobbly faith in criminal justice system

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A day that began with the outgoing president's pardon of lawmakers and his own family ended with the incoming president's pardon of supporters who violently stormed the U.S. Capitol four years ago.

Key career officials at Justice Department reassigned to different positions, AP sources say

Key career officials at Justice Department reassigned to different positions, AP sources say

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Justice Department has reassigned key senior officials across multiple divisions as part of a leadership shakeup ahead of the expected confirmation of President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general, Pam Bondi, multiple people familiar with the matter said Tuesday.

Key career officials at Justice Department reassigned to different positions, AP source says

Key career officials at Justice Department reassigned to different positions, AP source says

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Justice Department has reassigned key senior officials across multiple divisions as part of a leadership shakeup ahead of the expected confirmation of President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general, Pam Bondi.

Trump moves to revoke clearances of ex-intel officials who signed letter on Hunter Biden laptop

Trump moves to revoke clearances of ex-intel officials who signed letter on Hunter Biden laptop

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump says his administration will move to revoke the security clearances of the more than four dozen former intelligence officials who signed a 2020 letter saying that the Hunter Biden laptop saga bore the hallmarks of a "Russian information operation."

Trump moves to suspend clearances of ex-intel officials who signed letter on Hunter Biden laptop

Trump moves to suspend clearances of ex-intel officials who signed letter on Hunter Biden laptop

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump says his administration will move to suspend the security clearances of the more than four dozen former intelligence officials who signed a 2020 letter saying that the Hunter Biden laptop saga bore the hallmarks of a "Russian information operation."

US must not become complacent to a growing terrorism threat, a Counterterrorism Center official says

US must not become complacent to a growing terrorism threat, a Counterterrorism Center official says

McLEAN, Va. (AP) -- Brett Holmgren got woken up early on New Year's Day by alerts that a driver had plowed into a crowd of revelers in New Orleans.

Biden speaks with relatives of Americans held by Taliban, but deal to bring them home still elusive

Biden speaks with relatives of Americans held by Taliban, but deal to bring them home still elusive

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Joe Biden spoke Sunday with relatives of three Americans the U.S. government is looking to bring home from Afghanistan, but it was unclear from the call if a deal to bring them back that is now on the table could be completed before the he leaves office next week.

Special counsel Jack Smith has resigned after submitting his Trump report, Justice Department says

Special counsel Jack Smith has resigned after submitting his Trump report, Justice Department says

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Special counsel Jack Smith has resigned from the Justice Department after submitting his investigative report on President-elect Donald Trump, an expected move that comes amid legal wrangling over how much of that document can be made public in the days ahead.

Judge who blocked release of Trump report was 'plainly' wrong, special counsel tells appeals court

Judge who blocked release of Trump report was 'plainly' wrong, special counsel tells appeals court

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Justice Department has asked a federal appeals court to move swiftly in reversing a judge's order that had blocked the agency from releasing any part of special counsel Jack Smith's investigative report on President-elect Donald Trump.

FBI must be independent and above the partisan fray, outgoing director says in farewell address

FBI must be independent and above the partisan fray, outgoing director says in farewell address

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The FBI must remain independent, above the partisan fray and "committed to upholding the rule of law," outgoing Director Christopher Wray said in a farewell address just days before his expected retirement at the conclusion of the Biden administration following more than seven years on the job.

Judge temporarily blocks release of special counsel report on Trump cases as court fight simmers

Judge temporarily blocks release of special counsel report on Trump cases as court fight simmers

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A federal judge on Tuesday temporarily blocked the public release of special counsel Jack Smith's report on investigations into Donald Trump as an appeals court weighs a challenge to the disclosure of a much-anticipated document just days before the president-elect reclaims office.

Judge temporarily blocks release of special counsel report on Trump cases amid simmering court fight

Judge temporarily blocks release of special counsel report on Trump cases amid simmering court fight

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A federal judge has temporarily blocked the public release of special counsel Jack Smith's report on investigations into President-elect Donald Trump as an appeals court weighs a challenge.

New Orleans attack came at a time of political heat, and transition, for the FBI

New Orleans attack came at a time of political heat, and transition, for the FBI

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Joining law enforcement officials to update the public in the hours after a man killed 14 people and injured dozens of others in New Orleans, Louisiana's junior Republican senator, John Kennedy, implored the FBI to "catch these people" -- and then added one more eyebrow-raising request of the federal government.