Trump Presses for More Indictments After Branding Comey a ‘Dirty Cop’

US President Donald Trump on Friday called for more of his political rivals to face criminal charges, celebrating the indictment of former FBI director James Comey and labeling him a “dirty cop.”

Trump’s comments mark a sharp escalation in what critics describe as a campaign of retribution that breaks with long-standing U.S. political norms.

“Frankly, I hope there are others,” Trump told reporters at the White House, calling his opponents “corrupt, radical-left Democrats.” He insisted his actions were not about revenge but about ensuring accountability: “It’s also about the fact that you can’t let this go on.”

Comey was charged Thursday with making false statements and obstruction of justice linked to his investigation into possible collusion between Trump’s 2016 campaign and Russia.

“He’s a dirty cop, he’s always been a dirty cop,” Trump said of the former FBI director. Asked who else might face prosecution, he responded: “It’s not a list, but I think there will be others.”

The indictment came days after Trump publicly urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to pursue cases against Comey and other perceived adversaries, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, California Senator Adam Schiff, and Georgia prosecutor Fani Willis, who previously pursued an election interference case against Trump but was later removed.

Current FBI Director Kash Patel dismissed Democrats’ claims that the charges were politically motivated, calling such criticism “hypocrisy on steroids.” Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche also denied that Trump’s remarks influenced the Justice Department, saying, “I know that I certainly didn’t take that as pressure, and I highly doubt she did either.”

Critics, however, point to Trump’s repeated use of his office since returning to power in January to target political opponents and media organizations.

Federal prosecutor Lindsey Halligan, a former Trump lawyer appointed just days ago despite lacking prosecutorial experience, confirmed Comey faces up to five years in prison if convicted.

In a video posted on Instagram, Comey rejected the charges, declaring, “I’m not afraid,” and accusing Trump of weaponizing the justice system for political gain.

The feud between Trump and Comey dates back to 2017, when Trump dismissed him as FBI director amid the Russia investigation. Trump has long denounced the probe as the “Russia hoax” and vowed to retaliate against those who pursued it.

Legal observers note the case against Comey faces challenges. The five-year statute of limitations on his alleged false statements to Congress expires Tuesday, and the initial prosecutor declined to indict before stepping down under pressure from Trump.

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