Judge Jesse Furman ruled the Trump administration fired prosecutor Maurene Comey illegally. He issued this finding in a 55-page decision.

Maurene Comey worked as an assistant US attorney in Manhattan beginning in 2015. Her father, James Comey, led the FBI from 2013 through 2017 and later criticized Donald Trump. Maurene Comey sued over her termination, claiming the move was retaliatory. She began a new role in December 2025.

1. Judge Jesse Furman ruled that the firing violated the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 and constitutional rights. The 55-page decision rejected the administration's argument that it held the authority to fire her without cause.

2. The court ruled that the termination violated the right to a fair legal process. Judge Furman rejected the government's request to dismiss the lawsuit. The government had argued that the Merit Systems Protection Board should hear the claims instead.

3. The Justice Department confirmed in court filings that Maurene Comey received "outstanding" performance ratings from 2019 through 2024. Comey prosecuted cases involving Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. She also handled prosecutions for Sean "Diddy" Combs and Robert Menendez.

4. Judge Furman ordered the Trump administration to provide Maurene Comey with back pay for the period from July 16, 2025, through December 2025. Comey started a new job in December 2025.

1. The Trump administration stated it disagrees with the court's decision and intends to appeal the ruling. The administration previously argued it possessed the constitutional authority to fire her.

2. The termination memo sent to Maurene Comey cited Article II of the US Constitution as the basis for her removal. The Justice Department maintained that former Attorney General Pam Bondi directed the decision.

3. Todd Blanche approved Maurene Comey’s removal following a directive from then-Attorney General Pam Bondi. The administration argued that the case belonged before the Merit Systems Protection Board.

4. The charge stems from a social media post of seashells arranged to read "86 47", which critics allege served as a veiled threat targeting the nation's 47th president.