On Chicago’s Morning Answer, Dan Proft spoke with George Perry, a former federal and state prosecutor and contributor to the American Spectator, about the prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey, questions surrounding FBI conduct on January 6, and broader debates over “norms” in American governance.
The Debate Over “Norms”
The discussion was framed by recent commentary suggesting that Donald Trump is eroding democratic norms. Perry countered that the notion of an independent Justice Department is historically inaccurate. He emphasized that Article II of the Constitution vests executive power in the president, meaning that federal prosecutors ultimately serve at the president’s pleasure. He argued that media portrayals of DOJ independence since Trump’s election distort the constitutional structure.
FBI Presence on January 6
Attention then turned to Trump’s claim that 274 FBI agents were present at the Capitol on January 6. While Perry noted it is not unusual for the FBI to infiltrate organizations or events to gather intelligence, he said the size of that presence raises questions about transparency and oversight. He drew parallels to historic cases where FBI informants played active roles in crimes they were investigating, suggesting that the bureau’s activities on January 6 deserve a full public accounting.
Proft and Perry also highlighted concerns about poor interagency coordination, citing former Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund’s repeated claims that he was excluded from key security discussions in advance of the riot.
The Case Against James Comey
On the prosecution of James Comey, Perry urged caution. While acknowledging Comey’s admission that he leaked memoranda of conversations with Trump to a Columbia professor, Perry questioned whether prosecutors have the clear evidence needed to win a perjury case. He noted that congressional questioning often lacks precision, making perjury charges difficult to prove. The outcome, he said, may depend on whether prosecutors have solid corroborating testimony beyond conflicting accounts from former FBI officials.
Political Bias and FBI Credibility
The interview also revisited controversies over FBI personnel kneeling during demonstrations in 2020. Perry said federal agents must remain politically neutral and argued that such actions damaged the bureau’s credibility. He added that declining fitness standards symbolized a broader erosion of professionalism.
Looking Ahead
Perry suggested that prosecuting Comey could serve as a form of “mutually assured destruction,” deterring future officials from politicizing the Justice Department. Without accountability, he warned, the weaponization of federal law enforcement against political opponents could become routine.