Bulwark Takes Episode Summary: "New Trump Scandal: Why Was Comey’s Daughter Fired?"
Release Date: July 17, 2025
Host/Authors: Tim O’Brien, Sarah Longwell, and Bill Kristol
Podcast: Bulwark Takes by The Bulwark
1. Introduction to the Scandal
In this episode of Bulwark Takes, Tim O’Brien and Sarah Longwell delve into a developing scandal involving Maureen Comey, the daughter of former FBI Director Jim Comey. Maureen, a federal prosecutor renowned for her work on high-profile cases against Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Sean "Diddy" Combs, was recently fired from the Department of Justice (DOJ) without any publicly provided reason.
2. Background on Maureen Comey's Firing
The episode opens with Tim O’Brien introducing the central issue: Maureen Comey’s abrupt termination from the DOJ. Tim comments on the lack of explanation provided for her dismissal, setting the stage for a discussion filled with speculation and concern over potential political motivations.
Tim O’Brien [00:30]:
"Federal prosecutor Maureen Comey, who worked on the criminal cases against Jeffrey Epstein, Angelaine Maxwell, as well as more recently on the case against Sean Diddy Combs, was fired from the DOJ. No reason been given why though."
3. Speculations on the Reasons Behind the Firing
Sarah Longwell and Tim O’Brien explore possible explanations for Maureen's termination. They consider two main theories:
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Retaliation Against Jim Comey: Given Jim Comey's contentious relationship with the Trump administration, there is speculation that Maureen's firing is an act of retribution against her father.
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Professional Dismissal: Alternatively, Maureen may have been let go due to her involvement in sensitive cases, particularly those related to sex crimes and trafficking, which could have made her a target for political maneuvering within the DOJ.
Sarah Longwell [01:15]:
"Either it's retribution against him or because she has been on the Epstein beat and because her name is Comey, and they don't trust her to be a good soldier the way Pam Bondi and Cash Patel are being good soldiers, they wanted her out of there quickly."
4. Maureen Comey's Statement
The hosts highlight Maureen Comey's farewell statement, which underscores her commitment to impartiality and integrity within the DOJ. She emphasized that access to power and money should not influence justice and criticized the politicization of the Justice Department.
Maureen Comey’s Statement [02:37]:
"Fear is the tool of a tyrant."
"Let this moment fuel the fire that already burns at the heart of this place. A fire of righteous indignation at abuses of power, of commitment to seek justice for victims, of dedication to truth above all else."
Sarah praises the statement, interpreting it as a clear condemnation of political interference.
Sarah Longwell [04:27]:
"That statement is so powerful. And these guys are such cowards. Like, it is so pathetic."
5. Interview Insights with Jim Comey
Tim O’Brien shares insights from a recent interview with Jim Comey, where the former FBI Director discusses his daughter’s work and the challenges she faces. Maureen expressed pride in her work but also conveyed concerns about the emotional toll of prosecuting sex crimes.
Jim Comey [07:50]:
"She has a gift, and I worry about it because that kind of stuff can really chew you up. But she has a gift, and so it's, I think she's doing very well."
Maureen also touched on the difficulties of balancing personal pride in her daughter’s work with the public scrutiny that comes with her last name.
Maureen Comey [07:57]:
"Honestly, I am known as her father."
6. Implications for the DOJ and FBI
The discussion shifts to the broader implications of Maureen’s firing on the DOJ and FBI. The hosts express concern that her dismissal signals a troubling trend of undermining professionalism and integrity within these institutions.
Jim Comey [04:47]:
"They are unable to put that aside and be grownups and do the job of protecting the country and prosecuting bad guys and working alongside people that they're different from. Instead, they would rather push anybody like that out and have only toadies around and consequences be damned."
Sarah underscores the importance of maintaining high standards within the DOJ, emphasizing that high-caliber cases require competent and dedicated prosecutors.
Sarah Longwell [05:36]:
"If she's picking up these really big cases, she's a very good prosecutor. And so like, you don't give those people, you don't give those cases to your, you know, screw-ups. You give them to your best people."
7. The Epstein Scandal and Accountability
The hosts link Maureen’s firing to the ongoing Epstein scandal, suggesting that it exacerbates the public’s perception of systemic failures in holding powerful individuals accountable for sex crimes.
Jim Comey [10:37]:
"Elite sex criminals were getting away with it, and they're being protected by other powerful elite people. And that is an outrage. And that is what undergirds the outrage about Trump continuing to cover that up."
They argue that Maureen’s removal from the DOJ not only hinders justice in specific cases but also deepens distrust in the system’s ability to prosecute high-profile offenders impartially.
8. Final Thoughts and Call to Action
In their concluding remarks, the hosts express admiration for Maureen Comey’s dedication and integrity. They highlight the need for more individuals within the DOJ to speak out against politicization and advocate for true justice.
Sarah Longwell [08:58]:
"This is clearly a person with a lot of integrity who is good at her job. And my hope is that with a statement like she put out after she left, that she is somebody who becomes vocal about what happened."
Tim O’Brien emphasizes the importance of public support and awareness, urging listeners to stay informed and engage with the ongoing developments.
Tim O’Brien [11:23]:
"We have a lot to say. Maureen Comey thank you. Everybody else subscribe to the feed and we got a lot more coming, so we'll see you soon."
Conclusion
This episode of Bulwark Takes provides a comprehensive and critical examination of Maureen Comey’s firing from the DOJ, exploring potential political motives and the broader implications for the justice system. Through insightful analysis and poignant quotes, Tim O’Brien and Sarah Longwell shed light on the challenges faced by dedicated public servants in maintaining integrity amidst political pressures. The discussion underscores the importance of holding powerful individuals accountable and preserving the non-partisan nature of the Department of Justice.