Judge Rules Comey's Daughter Illegally Fired; Bishops Apologize for Trump Photo Op

A federal judge has ruled that Maurene Comey, daughter of former FBI Director James Comey, was unlawfully terminated from her position as a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York. U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman stated in his ruling on Monday, October 26, 2026, that her July 2025 firing violated the constitutional separation of powers and the Civil Service Reform Act. The judge rejected the Trump administration's argument of unlimited presidential authority in such removals, retroactively reinstating Comey and ordering back pay. Comey's lawsuit alleged her dismissal was due to her father's public criticisms of then-President Trump or her perceived political affiliations. The Justice Department has indicated it will appeal the decision.

Separately, two Catholic bishops have apologized for their involvement in a controversial Oval Office prayer session with President Donald Trump. Archbishop Jeffrey Grob of Milwaukee and Bishop William Joensen of Des Moines expressed regret after photos and video of them praying over the president were released by the White House without their consent, less than two weeks before the midterm elections. The bishops stated they felt "manipulated" and "exploited" by the White House, clarifying that their participation was not an endorsement of Trump, his policies, or his party. They had intended to discuss matters important to the church and received concerned messages from their congregants following the publicized event.