Details: Prosecutors unveiled Comey emails that appear to contradict his sworn testimony
By Easton Martin | November 4, 2025
Federal prosecutors on Tuesday released a series of emails they say contradict former FBI Director James Comey’s sworn testimony before Congress, adding new weight to the criminal case against him.
According to filings from the Eastern District of Virginia, the emails show Comey communicating with an associate who was in contact with reporters in the months before and after the 2016 election. In one exchange, the associate told Comey he had “got the point home” to a New York Times reporter about the FBI’s handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation. Comey replied, “Well done my friend. Who knew this would [be] so uh fun.”
Prosecutors say the messages conflict with Comey’s 2020 congressional testimony, in which he stated that he did not authorize anyone to leak information to the media. The filings identify the associate as Daniel Richman, a former FBI special employee, who has previously acknowledged speaking to reporters about internal FBI discussions.
The newly disclosed correspondence forms part of the basis for charges that Comey made false statements to Congress and obstructed a congressional proceeding. Prosecutors argue that by denying authorization of media contacts, Comey misled lawmakers who were investigating the FBI’s actions during the 2016 election period.
Additional emails included in the filing show Comey commenting on press coverage of his decision to reopen the Clinton email investigation, referencing efforts to “shape the narrative.”
Comey has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His legal team is expected to challenge the interpretation of the emails and their admissibility in court. The case is now moving toward pre-trial motions in federal court in Virginia.
