James Comey Wins Early Legal Battle as Judge Rejects Trump DOJ’s Delay Attempt

 Former FBI Director James Comey earned an early courtroom victory this week after a federal judge rejected an effort by the Trump Justice Department to restrict his access to key evidence in his upcoming criminal trial. The decision signals that the court won’t tolerate unnecessary delays in a case many view as politically motivated.

Judge Rejects DOJ’s “Needless Delay” Request

U.S. District Judge Michael Nachmanoff, who presides over the case in the Eastern District of Virginia, denied a Justice Department motion for a protective order that would have limited Comey’s ability to review discovery materials.

In his two-page ruling, Nachmanoff — a Biden appointee — wrote that the DOJ’s request “would unnecessarily hinder and delay Defendant’s ability to adequately prepare for trial.”

The judge also noted that similar high-profile false statement cases in the past did not include such restrictions. Moreover, he found the DOJ’s proposal overly broad, as it failed to specify which information truly required protection.

Early Win Reinforces Fast-Track Trial Schedule

The ruling, though procedural, bolsters the perception that Nachmanoff intends to keep the case moving quickly despite apparent efforts to slow it down. The judge previously set a January 5 trial date, declining to grant prosecutors extra time and even suggesting he would have allowed a December start if Comey’s legal team had requested it.

Comey, who pleaded not guilty last week, faces two counts:

• One for allegedly lying to Congress, and

• Another for allegedly obstructing Congress.

The charges were brought by Lindsey Halligan, a Trump ally and former personal lawyer to the former president — despite objections from career Justice Department prosecutors.

A Trump-Appointed Prosecutor Under Fire

Halligan, who has never previously prosecuted a case, is facing questions about her experience and independence. Shortly before Comey’s arraignment, she brought in two additional DOJ attorneys from North Carolina with trial experience to assist with the case.

Her actions appear to follow a pattern: Halligan also recently secured an indictment against New York Attorney General Letitia James, another official targeted by Trump’s public calls for prosecution. James is scheduled to appear in court on October 24.

A Judge Unwilling to Stall

Judge Nachmanoff’s ruling underscores his commitment to ensuring Comey’s right to a fair and timely trial — and to preventing political influence from stalling proceedings.

Legal experts note that the decision mirrors Nachmanoff’s firm tone during Comey’s arraignment, where he emphasized the need for a “swift and efficient” process. The message to both sides — and particularly to the Trump DOJ — is clear: this case will move forward without games or delays.