Executive Summary
The Story So Far
Why This Matters
Who Thinks What?
Kamala Harris expressed outrage and deep frustration over the recent indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, telling CNN that the charges represent President Donald Trump’s fulfillment of a campaign promise to target political adversaries. Harris’s comments come after the Justice Department brought charges against Comey, following public pressure from Trump on Attorney General Pam Bondi and the replacement of a U.S. attorney for the district where Comey was indicted.
Harris’s Reaction to Indictment
Speaking exclusively to CNN, Harris described the situation as “frustrating, but more than that, it’s painful to see.” She added, “I mean what’s happening with Comey: Are you fucking kidding me? The United States Department of Justice?” The Vice President has consistently woven critiques of President Trump’s potential second term into her reflections on last year’s campaign.
Harris recalled warning during her campaign that Trump would pursue individuals he considered political enemies. “He said it; we knew he would do it,” Harris stated, emphasizing the relentless nature of these actions. The indictment of Comey, a frequent target of Trump’s criticism, appears to confirm these concerns for Harris.
Allegations of Presidential Pressure
The Justice Department’s decision to bring charges against Comey followed a period of public pressure from Trump. This included demands made to Attorney General Pam Bondi and the subsequent replacement of the U.S. attorney in the relevant district. Harris specifically noted a Truth Social post from last week, addressed to “Pam,” which she understood as a direct demand for prosecution.
Regardless of whether the post was a direct message to Bondi, Harris told CNN that Trump’s intent seemed clear: to order the prosecution of someone against whom he has long sought vengeance. When asked if she viewed the indictment as a “crossing of a Rubicon,” or an irreversible boundary, Harris responded, “I don’t know. Define Rubicon.”
Implications for the Justice System
Harris’s strong reaction underscores a broader concern among some political figures regarding the independence of the Justice Department. Her comments highlight a perception that President Trump is leveraging the legal system to pursue personal and political vendettas, a practice she believes he had openly forewarned during his campaign.
