Former US Vice President Kamala Harris has sharply criticised the federal indictment of former FBI director James Comey, warning that it reflects President Donald Trump’s drive to punish his political enemies.Speaking exclusively to CNN during a stop on her book tour in Washington, Harris said she was dismayed by the charges filed against Comey. “It’s frustrating, but more than that, it’s painful to see,” she said. “I mean what’s happening with Comey: Are you f***ing kidding me? The United States Department of Justice?”Comey was indicted late Thursday on charges of obstruction and perjury linked to his testimony during a 2020 Senate hearing on Trump’s 2016 campaign’s alleged ties with Russia. He is the first senior official connected to the Russia inquiry to face prosecution, according to news agency AP.Trump, who has long derided the Russia investigation as a “witch hunt” and a “hoax,” has repeatedly demanded charges against Comey. Just days before the indictment, he posted on Truth Social, urging attorney general Pam Bondi to act, writing, “We can’t delay any longer, it’s killing our reputation and credibility… JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!”. Harris, a former California attorney general and prosecutor, said she had warned during her 2024 presidential campaign that Trump would use his second term to go after opponents. “He said it; we knew he would do it,” she said, as per CNN. “But it is every day unrelenting.” She added that Trump’s Truth Social post directed at “Pam” suggested his intent was clear, even if it appeared to be a direct order.She argued that Trump had previously identified “the enemy within” as anyone who did not support him, including journalists, judges, and election officials. “We know who he would target, because he has attacked them before,” she had said on the campaign trail.Comey’s prosecution has raised alarm among Democrats and legal experts. Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin said on Friday that “the department of justice has become a political tool of a vengeful president,” according to The Hill.The case against Comey, launched days after Trump’s public pressure on Bondi, has added to concerns that the justice department is being weaponised under Trump’s leadership.
