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Throughout his career, Comey has both detractors and admirers among Democrats and Republicans. He’s been praised for his integrity but also criticized for his actions.
In September 2025, Comey was indicted on charges of lying to Congress and obstruction, stemming from a long-standing relationship with President Donald Trump after Trump fired him in 2017 for investigating the 2016 campaign’s contacts with Russia.
### Key Quotes About James Comey
**`Make something good from evil`:**
In 2018, when discussing his infant son’s death, Comey said he learned to “make something good from evil.” His wife launched a campaign to require doctors and hospitals to test for Group B streptococcus.
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**`A rarity in Washington`:**
President Barack Obama called Comey “a rarity” in Washington, noting that he was focused on getting the job done rather than politics. In 2004, Comey threatened to resign if Ashcroft reauthorized a warrantless eavesdropping program.
**`This is torture`:**
At his 2013 confirmation hearing, Comey testified that waterboarding, though formally approved while serving as deputy attorney general, was torture and illegal. He told Ashcroft the practice was wrong but added that the law on the matter was “very vague.”
**`It makes me mildly nauseous`:**
In 2016, Comey staunchly defended his decision to publicly announce the reopening of the probe into Hillary Clinton’s private email server, telling a Senate panel it would have been “the death of the FBI as an institution.” He acknowledged that such a move could impact the election.
**`Lordy, I hope there are tapes`:**
After being fired by Trump in 2017, Comey testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee. Among the most consistent themes was his belief that Trump could not be trusted. He said he hoped there were tapes of conversations with Trump, urging him to drop an investigation into Michael Flynn.
**`We will not live on our knees`:**
After being indicted in 2025, Comey said, “My family and I have known for years that there are costs to standing up to Donald Trump, but we couldn’t imagine ourselves living any other way. We will not live on our knees.” He referenced his daughter’s recent firing from the Manhattan federal prosecutorial office and her lawsuit against the Trump administration.
These quotes illustrate Comey’s character and the significant role he played in major political events.
