Former FBI Director and Donald Trump critic James Comey CLEARED of making false statements to Congress

However, the former FBI chief’s case was dismissed on Monday after a federal judge ruled that the appointment of the Justice Department’s lawyer, Lindsey Halligan, as interim US Attorney was unlawful.

The case against New York Attorney General Letitia James was also dismissed, which concerned charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution for which she pleaded not guilty.

Both charges were dismissed without prejudice, opening the door to future action through another prosecutor.

Following the instructions of President Trump, the Department of Justice charged Mr Comey in September with one count of making false statements and one concerning obstruction of justice.

The charges were based on statements the former FBI director gave to the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2020, where he was questioned on his handling of investigations into Hillary Clinton's emails and pro-Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Comey stressed his innocence and entered a non-guilty plea, challenging the DOJ: "Let's go to trial."

Mr Comey served as FBI director from 2013 to 2017, presiding over the dramatic final stages of the 2016 election between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

His name briefly reached household status following his controversial intervention in the last days of the campaign, where he announced that the FBI had reopened its investigation into Mrs Clinton's private email server.

The move resulted in heavy criticism from both sides of the aisle, with Democrats initially blasting him for making the announcement and then by Republicans for revealing no charges would be brought just a week later.

He would be dismissed as FBI director just four months into Mr Trump's first term as President.

At the time, he was also leading an investigation into Russian intervention in the 206 election.

The Trump administration said at the time he had been relieved of his duties over his handling of Mrs Clinton's emails.

Since the bruising falling out, Mr Comey has been a vocal critic of President Trump.

Reacting to the news of her clearing, Letitia James said: I am heartened by today's victories and grateful for the prayers and support I have received from around the country.

"I remain fearless in the face of these baseless charges as I continue fighting for New Yorkers every single day," the New York State Attorney General said.

Mr Comey has yet to comment on the latest developments.

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