What’s Next
The case is now before a Manhattan federal judge. Procedurally, DOJ must respond within 60 days. If the government moves to dismiss, briefing could extend into late fall. Discovery battles are almost certain, especially over internal DOJ communications regarding her firing.
Possible outcomes include:
- Judicial reinstatement: If the court finds no valid “cause,” Comey could be restored as an AUSA.
- Settlement: DOJ may try to quietly resolve the dispute to avoid exposure of sensitive internal records.
- Political crossfire: Any ruling will be framed by ongoing investigations into James Comey and lingering fights over Trump-era DOJ conduct.
For now, Maurene Comey has forced the Justice Department into a corner: either justify her firing with evidence of misconduct, or face accusations that the dismissal was raw political retribution.
