DOJ Files 2-Count Case Against Comey Over 2016 Defense Disclosure

Q: What specific national defense information was allegedly shared with a reporter in 2016, prompting this third prosecution attempt?

The court filing does not publicly identify the specific information. What is known from related court papers is that prosecutors say the alleged disclosure involved classified or national defense information passed to a reporter at **The New York Times** in **October 2016**, while Comey was FBI director. The charging document itself leaves key details blank: it does not name the document, describe the substance of the information, identify the reporter, or specify the publication in the text. Comey’s lawyers, however, say the case centers on an alleged leak of classified information to the Times. So, based on the material available, the precise national defense information has **not been publicly disclosed**; only that prosecutors tie it to an alleged October 2016 leak to **The New York Times**.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 26

Federal prosecutors filed a two-count criminal information in Washington accusing former FBI Director James Comey of willfully disclosing national defense information on Oct. 5, 2016, and conspiring with others to do so.
The Justice Department said it used the filing to toll the statute of limitations while the investigation continues, leaving unclear whether or when it will seek a grand jury indictment.
Comey called the move an "appalling abuse" in an Instagram post, said he is innocent, and vowed to fight in court as his lawyers argue prosecutors cannot proceed without an indictment.
U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden has unsealed the case after an emergency closed-door hearing but has not ruled on Comey's motion to dismiss.
The filing marks the Trump Justice Department's third attempt to prosecute Comey after one Congress-lying case was dismissed and a separate "86 47" post case remained pending.

Sources

Left60%

Center20%

Right20%

Fox News1h ago

DOJ Files Criminal Information Against James Comey Over Alleged 2016 National Defense Disclosure

Reuters1h ago

DOJ argues Comey novel shows he knew '86 47' post was a threat against Trump | Reuters

CNBC23h ago

James Comey Charged Federally for Third Time Over National Defense Information

13 Sources

What specific national defense information was allegedly shared with a reporter in 2016, prompting this third prosecution attempt?

Will the statute of limitations defense successfully dismiss these new conspiracy charges regarding decade-old unauthorized media disclosures?

Espionage Act on Trial: The 2026 Charges Against James Comey and the Politicization of Federal Prosecution

Overview

In October 2026, former FBI Director James Comey was charged with illegally transmitting national defense information to a reporter, a case rooted in a 2016 disclosure. The prosecution, driven by direct pressure from President Trump, bypassed traditional grand jury procedures and relied on a prosecutor-filed criminal information exactly ten years after the alleged leak. This move followed a series of controversial DOJ leadership changes, including the installation of a politically connected acting U.S. Attorney who pursued charges despite internal doubts and judicial pushback. The case highlights growing concerns about the use of federal law enforcement for political purposes and the erosion of established legal safeguards.

...