The U.S. Department of Justice has dismissed Maurene Comey, a long-serving federal prosecutor who handled several high-profile cases, including the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and the prosecution of Ghislaine Maxwell. Her termination, confirmed by three individuals familiar with the matter, occurred on Wednesday, though no official reason was provided.
Comey, the daughter of former FBI Director James Comey, had served nearly a decade in the Southern District of New York (SDNY). Most recently, she was involved in the case against music producer Sean “Diddy” Combs, who was acquitted of the most serious charges earlier this month but convicted on prostitution-related offenses.
Neither the Department of Justice nor the SDNY offered public comment on the dismissal. Maurene Comey has not yet responded to media inquiries.
Epstein Case Back in Political Spotlight
The firing comes at a politically sensitive time, as former President Donald Trump faces mounting pressure from his MAGA-aligned base over unfulfilled promises related to the Epstein case. During his election campaign, Trump pledged to release all documents tied to Epstein’s controversial death in 2019, which was ruled a suicide but continues to be the subject of conspiracy theories.
In a recent development, the Department of Justice and the FBI released a memo concluding that no credible evidence exists of Epstein possessing a “client list” or of blackmailing prominent individuals. The memo also reaffirmed the official ruling that Epstein died by suicide.
This announcement drew criticism from far-right influencers, including Laura Loomer, who has repeatedly targeted Attorney General Pam Bondi and called for Comey’s dismissal. Following Wednesday’s firing, Loomer claimed credit, posting on social media: “This comes 2 months after my pressure campaign.”
Bondi and Trump Respond
Attorney General Bondi declined to address questions from reporters about the Epstein case earlier this week, stating only that she would continue in her position “as long as the president wants me here.”
Trump, meanwhile, downplayed the issue, referring to the Epstein controversy as a “hoax perpetrated by the Democrats” and criticized some Republicans for “falling into the trap” of Democratic narratives. He also publicly defended Bondi’s role in the matter.
Tensions with the Comey Family
This marks the second time Trump has dismissed a member of the Comey family. James Comey, Maurene’s father and former FBI director, was fired by Trump in 2017 during the early stages of the Russia investigation. The former FBI head recently drew attention for posting an image online that some Trump supporters interpreted as a call for violence. Comey denied any such intention.
Maurene Comey’s dismissal has added further intrigue to a politically charged saga, as questions about transparency, justice, and political influence continue to swirl around the lingering Epstein controversy.
