The White House issued a response Monday after a federal judge dismissed criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. The cases were thrown out "without prejudice", meaning they could potentially be refiled.

US District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie ruled that interim US Attorney Lindsey Halligan had assumed the role just two days before signing Comey’s indictment and had no prior experience as a prosecutor. The court found that her lack of qualifications invalidated her actions, including authorizing the charges.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the Justice Department intends to appeal, stating, “Lindsey Halligan was legally appointed ... the Department of Justice will be appealing very soon. It is our position that Lindsey Halligan is extremely qualified for this position, but more importantly, was legally appointed to it.”

The decision delivers a significant setback to two ongoing prosecutions targeting two of the president’s most high-profile political rivals. It also represents a sharp critique of the administration’s strategy of installing a loyal but inexperienced appointee to oversee the federal cases.

What to know

Comey had been charged with making false statements and obstructing Congress related to testimony he gave during inquiries into the FBI’s handling of politically sensitive investigations and the bureau’s 2016 Russia probe. Letitia James faced charges linked to a mortgage fraud case. The indictments were filed within days of each other amid pressure from President Trump to pursue two officials who have long stood among his fiercest critics.

The precise direction of the Justice Department remains uncertain, but Monday’s ruling opens several avenues. Because the dismissals were issued "without prejudice", prosecutors could attempt to revive the charges if a properly appointed US attorney signs new indictments. That decision may hinge on the outcome of the expected appeal.

Should the administration move forward with an appeal, the case would be elevated to the 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals, where government lawyers would need to defend Halligan’s appointment and argue that the indictments should stand despite Judge Currie’s findings. An appeal would also freeze ongoing efforts by Comey and James to pursue remaining claims, including allegations of politically motivated prosecution and misconduct before the grand jury.

If the ruling is upheld, the Justice Department could seek to resubmit the charges under different leadership at the US Attorney’s office. Defense teams for both Comey and James have already signaled they would oppose any renewed prosecution, arguing that the flaws in the original process should void further attempts.

What people are saying

Attorney General Pam Bondi said Monday, “We'll be taking all available legal action, including an immediate appeal to hold Letitia James and James Comey accountable for their unlawful conduct.”

She added, “I'm not worried about someone who has been charged with a very serious crime. His [Comey's] alleged actions are a betrayal of public trust.”

Leavitt was also questioned on Monday on whether the ruling strengthened the president’s resolve to pursue the cases. “I wouldn't say he's ‘going after’ them,” she said. “I think the president is more determined than ever to see accountability in this country. And to correct the wrongs of the weaponization of our justice system that we saw under the previous administration and Joe Biden.”

Comey, who has pleaded not guilty to charges of making false statements and obstructing Congress, said in a video statement, “I am grateful that the court ended the case against me, which was a prosecution based on malevolence and incompetence and a reflection of what the Justice Department has become under Donald Trump, which is heartbreaking."

In a separate statement, James, a Democrat who has pleaded not guilty to mortgage fraud charges, said, “I am heartened by today’s victory and grateful for the prayers and support I have received from around the country.” She added that she remained “fearless in the face of these baseless charges as I continue fighting for New Yorkers every single day.”

For now, the indictments against both Comey and James are void. Legal analysts expect the political and judicial repercussions of the rulings to unfold over the coming months, particularly as the administration weighs its next move.