'DOJ has a real problem': Former FBI official on judge tossing cases against Comey, James

Legal & Political Analysis - A federal judge dismissed criminal cases against former FBI director James Comey and New York Attorney General Leticia James, calling it an embarrassment for the US government [2][3] - The prosecutor who brought the charges was deemed illegally appointed, leading to the dismissal of Comey's indictment as an unlawful exercise of executive power [3][4] - James and Comey are considered political targets of Trump, who previously tweeted about their prosecution [5][6] - The Department of Justice (DOJ) faces criticism for its tactics and the inexperience of loyalists replacing career prosecutors, leading to a dysfunctional legal apparatus [1][11] - The DOJ's credibility is at stake due to a series of decisions by different judges regarding unlawfully appointed US attorneys [12][13] - The dismissal was made without prejudice, but Comey's case is likely dead unless the ruling is appealed [8] Political Consequences - Trump's retribution campaign, marked by legal incompetence, is not politically beneficial to Republicans [15][16] - Voters are more concerned with affordability issues (food, housing, healthcare) than Trump's retribution campaign [15][18] - The campaign of retribution is seen as a distraction and makes the president look weak [20][21] DOJ Response - The DOJ may appeal the ruling, risking further losses, or shift gears and seek Senate-confirmed nominations for US attorney positions [12] - The administration plans to keep Halagan in the US attorney's office despite the ruling [9]