The Bulwark Podcast James Comey: We Can't Trust the DOJ
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May 12, 2026 
James Comey, former FBI director and federal prosecutor turned thriller author, speaks about a politicized Justice Department and eroded public trust. He discusses revenge-style prosecutions, leaks from raids, morale problems at the FBI, national security risks from leadership changes, and what rebuilding DOJ might require. The conversation also touches on his new novel, Red Verdict.
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DOJ Trust Eroded By Politicized Prosecutions
- The DOJ under this administration has lost public trust because actions look aimed at political ends rather than impartial justice.
- James Comey cites the removal of the DOJ's impartial 'blindfold' and high-profile politically charged actions as evidence the department is serving partisan messages.
Process Deployed As Political Punishment
- The administration uses legal process as a weapon to punish and send messages, not necessarily to secure convictions.
- Comey explains prosecutions aim to intimidate truth-tellers and deter others regardless of case outcomes.
Favor Targeted Accountability Over Mass Prosecutions
- Pursue measured accountability after the administration ends rather than blanket prosecutions.
- Comey recommends bar reviews and targeted disciplinary actions to rebuild DOJ integrity without overreach.
