Former FBI Director James Comey encouraged a colleague to talk to a reporter and later praised the ensuing article, according to personal emails released by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The emails and texts reveal how Daniel Richman, a law professor and friend of Comey’s, engaged with the media, particularly after receiving a top-secret security clearance.
In an email dated November 2, 2016, Comey told Richman, who was an anonymous source for a New York Times article, that he did “a pretty good job.” He remarked that the situation was quite surprising and added, “It’s a lot of fun.”
The article, titled “These are the bad (and worse) choices facing James Comey,” detailed how Comey might respond after the FBI informed Congress about “thousands of new emails” potentially linked to the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s private email server.
Earlier, Richman had checked in with Comey regarding an op-ed that had been commissioned by the New York Times. Comey seemed to brush off the need for it, suggesting it wouldn’t change much anyway.
Shortly after, Comey expressed his disappointment about the NYT article and suggested Richman hire the reporter to improve things.
These communications were disclosed in a motion opposing Comey’s attempt to dismiss charges based on claims of vindictive prosecution.
Comey faces indictment related to his testimony in September 2020, where he allegedly made false claims about not allowing anyone else at the FBI to act as an anonymous source regarding the Clinton investigation. He is also accused of obstructing a Congressional investigation.
His lawyers argued in an earlier filing that Comey was targeted due to his public criticisms of President Trump, who holds animosity toward him.
Federal prosecutors stated that the emails show how Richman engaged frequently with the media on Comey’s behalf, often in an anonymous capacity. They emphasized the serious nature of a defendant potentially lying to Congress about his actions as FBI director.
In a February 2017 email, Richman asked a Justice Department official if he would speak to reporters about Clinton’s emails, highlighting his connections within the media.
Additionally, in May 2017, Richman advised a reporter to seek permission from Comey to be quoted as a source, providing insight into Comey’s interactions with those in the media.
On the same day, it was reported that Comey claimed Trump asked him for loyalty during a dinner, a claim he later refuted.
Comey’s legal representative has yet to comment on these revelations.
