Maurene Comey, daughter of former FBI Director James Comey, has spoken out following her termination from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, issuing a farewell message to colleagues that criticized President Donald Trump and warned of the impact of fear on public service.
Comey was removed from her post last week, with her email obtained and reported by CNN. In the message, she wrote:
“Fear is the tool of a tyrant, wielded to suppress independent thought. Let this moment fuel the fire… of dedication to truth above all else.”
She added: “If a career prosecutor can be fired without reason, fear may seep into the decisions of those who remain. Do not let that happen.”
Past Cases and Reactions
Comey was involved in high-profile cases including the prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein and Sean “Diddy” Combs. The Epstein case ended after Epstein died in custody. The Diddy case resulted in convictions on lesser charges, and has been viewed by some observers as falling short of initial expectations.
The Hill reported that her firing is “largely seen as connected to her father,” though no official reason for the termination has been given publicly. James Comey was dismissed by Trump in 2017 while leading the FBI’s investigation into alleged connections between Trump’s 2016 campaign and Russia.
In her message, Maurene Comey urged remaining prosecutors to carry on “without fear of retribution” and to “do the right thing, the right way, for the right reasons.”
DOJ Employment Context
Comey served at the discretion of the president and Department of Justice leadership. As with other federal attorneys, such roles can be reshaped during periods of administrative transition, restructuring, or cost-cutting.
At least some former prosecutors have noted that government employment, particularly at the federal level, is not guaranteed and can be subject to a variety of internal reviews and administrative decisions.
The Department of Justice has not publicly commented on the specifics of Comey’s departure.
Looking Ahead
In her message, Comey suggested that her work in the legal field is not finished and hinted that she may remain involved in public-facing roles in the future. She has not announced her next steps.
Her father, James Comey, is currently under criminal investigation by the Trump administration, according to reports. No charges have been filed.
