Comey Indicted Again, King Charles' Message To Congress, SCOTUS Temp Protected Status

Summary

NPR Up First – April 29, 2026

Episode Title: Comey Indicted Again, King Charles' Message To Congress, SCOTUS Temp Protected Status
Hosts: Ian Martinez, Steve Inskeep
Reporters: Carrie Johnson, Elena Moore, Nina Totenberg
Main Theme:
This episode covers three headline stories: the renewed prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey, King Charles’s diplomatic address to Congress during his U.S. visit, and a Supreme Court case on the future of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for immigrants from crisis-torn countries.

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1. James Comey Indicted Again (02:00–05:36)

Overview

The Justice Department has once again indicted former FBI Director James Comey, this time for allegedly threatening President Trump via an Instagram post. The case raises questions about political motivation in DOJ actions.

Key Discussion Points

• The Alleged Threat:

  • Last May, Comey posted a photo on Instagram: "the numbers 86, 47 arranged in shells on the beach—86 being a slang term for 'get rid of' and 47 referencing Trump as the 47th president." (Carrie Johnson, 02:17)
  • Comey deleted the photo, claiming it was meant as a political message, not a threat.

• Legal Perspective:

  • A grand jury in North Carolina has indicted Comey on two felonies, including allegedly threatening the President.
  • Acting Attorney General Todd Blanch:

    "This indictment stands out because of the name of the defendant, [but] his alleged conduct is the same kind of conduct that we will never tolerate and that we will always investigate and regularly prosecute." (Todd Blanch, 02:51)

• Potential Political Retribution:

  • Evidence suggests selective prosecution, as Trump has openly called for DOJ to target Comey and other investigators (03:11).
  • A prior case against Comey in Virginia was tossed due to improper appointment of a Trump-linked prosecutor; that decision is being appealed.

• Family Implications:

  • DOJ fired Comey's daughter, Maureen, from her job as a federal prosecutor last year. She has a wrongful termination suit moving forward (03:38).

• What’s Next?

  • Comey will appear in court and enter a plea. DOJ promises a jury trial.
  • Comey's response:

    "I'm still innocent, I'm still not afraid, and I still believe in the independent federal judiciary. So let's go." (James Comey, 04:21)

• Legal Uncertainty:

  • Prosecutors must prove Comey intended his post as a threat, not protected speech—a difficult bar under Supreme Court precedence.

• Broader Pattern at DOJ

  • Under Acting AG Todd Blanch, DOJ is pursuing Trump's perceived enemies more aggressively.
  • Other cases:
    • Southern Poverty Law Center indicted for alleged misconduct.
    • An ex-aide to Anthony Fauci indicted for document concealment.
  • DOJ’s reputation for impartiality is under strain; a former insider describes it as “vengeance masquerading as Justice." (Carrie Johnson referencing Jonathan Warblewski, 05:29)

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2. King Charles Addresses Congress (05:45–09:19)

Overview

King Charles visited the U.S. for the counry’s 250th birthday, attending a state dinner and delivering a rare address before a joint session of Congress—his first in 35 years by a British monarch.

Key Discussion Points

• Symbolism and Diplomacy:

  • The visit was timed with U.S. Sestercentennial celebrations.
  • Charles referenced the long alliance and, in a nod to history, joked about British troops burning the White House in 1814.

• Message to Congress:

  • The speech, while in line with royal neutrality, was a clear call for continued U.S.–U.K. unity and support for European alliances.
  • Quote:

    “Ours is an indispensable partnership. We must not disregard everything that has sustained us for the last 80 years. Instead, we must build on it.” (King Charles, 06:09, 07:03)

• Context with Trump Administration:

  • Trump has openly supported the monarchy but is critical of UK’s new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, especially regarding military aid for the Iran war.
  • Trump has suggested he might pull the U.S. out of NATO, making Charles’s message more pointed.

• Soft Power & NATO:

  • The king’s advocacy for NATO and support for Ukraine was notable given the Royal Family's traditional political neutrality.
  • On support for Ukraine:

    “That same unyielding resolve is needed for the defence of Ukraine and her most courageous people.” (King Charles, 09:02)

  • The statement prompted a rare bipartisan standing ovation in Congress. (Elena Moore, 09:14)

• Domestic Tensions:

  • Many in the UK opposed the king’s trip, partly due to ongoing U.S.–U.K. tensions over foreign policy and conflicting public opinions at home.

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3. Supreme Court Weighs Temporary Protected Status (09:30–13:09)

Overview

The Supreme Court is hearing arguments on whether the Trump administration can terminate TPS for groups from Haiti and Syria, potentially leading to mass deportations.

Key Discussion Points

• What is TPS?

  • Lawful status allowing people to live/work in the U.S. if their home country is too dangerous due to disaster, conflict, or other "extraordinary conditions" (09:48).
  • Recipients must have lived in the U.S. since the crisis that triggered TPS and face strict ongoing vetting.

• Affected Countries and Populations:

  • Haiti: Over 300,000 dead from the 2010 earthquake, ongoing chaos.
  • Syria: Civil war and Israeli bombing; 7,000 Syrians with TPS.

• Trump Administration’s Arguments:

  • Asserts TPS is temporary, not a de facto amnesty:

    “Temporary protected status was never intended to be a de facto amnesty. That status, as its name suggests, is temporary.” (Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, 12:12)

  • Contends that the 1990 TPS law prevents judicial review of executive decisions.

• Opposition Arguments:

  • Lawyers for TPS holders say Trump’s administration failed to follow legally mandated procedures.
  • DHS Secretary Kristi Noem concluded keeping Haitians in the U.S. was "contrary to the national interest," despite ongoing danger in Haiti.

• Judicial Climate:

  • Lower courts initially sided with TPS recipients, but the Supreme Court has tended to support administrative discretion on immigration, leaving recipients’ fate uncertain.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Highlight | |-----------|---------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:51 | AG Todd Blanch | "His alleged conduct is the same kind ... that we ... prosecute."| | 04:21 | James Comey | "I'm still innocent, I'm still not afraid, and I still believe..."| | 07:03 | King Charles | "Ours is an indispensable partnership..." | | 09:02 | King Charles | "...that same unyielding resolve is needed for the defence of Ukraine..." | | 12:12 | AG Kris Kobach | "Temporary protected status was never intended to be de facto amnesty." |

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Key Segment Timestamps

• James Comey Indictment: 02:00–05:36
• King Charles’s Visit and Speech: 05:45–09:19
• Supreme Court TPS Case: 09:30–13:09

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Summary & Tone

This episode strikes a serious, analytical tone typical of Up First, blending legal detail, political nuance, and historical context. It highlights intensifying DOJ actions seen by some as politically motivated, underscores the symbolic importance of King Charles’s rare lobbying for international alliances, and outlines the profound stakes of the Supreme Court’s immigration decisions as American identity and policy are being debated on the national stage.

Transcript

[Ian Martinez]

The Justice Department had former FBI Director James Comey indicted again. He's accused of threatening President Trump with an Instagram post.

[Steve Inskeep]

Trump's former personal lawyer announced the move against one of Trump's critics. So how strong is the case?

[Ian Martinez]

Jaime Martinez. That is Steve Inskeep. And this is up first from NPR News.

[Steve Inskeep]

King Charles told Congress the United States and United Kingdom have more in common than just the word United States.

[King Charles]

Ours is an indispensable partnership. We must not disregard everything that has sustained us for the last 80 years.

[Steve Inskeep]

How did the king assert himself in a speech before Congress?

[Ian Martinez]

And the Supreme Court considers a case that could allow mass deportations. The administration wants to cancel a temporary protected status that protects many thousands of people. Stay with us. We've got the news. You need to start your day.

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[Tom Bowman]

NPR reports stories that keep you informed without fear or favor. That's the promise of a free press in a democracy. It's in the First Amendment. I'm Tom Bowman, and I cover the Pentagon for npr. Stand up for independent news coverage today by donating early for public media giving days coming up on May 1st and 2nd. Give now at donate.npr.org the Justice Department

[Ian Martinez]

is prosecuting former FBI Director James Comey again.

[Steve Inskeep]

A new indictment accuses Comey of threatening President Trump. His alleged crime is posting a photo on Instagram. It's the administration's second try at indicting Comey, who was a longtime Trump critic.

[Ian Martinez]

NPR's Carrie Johnson is with us. Kerry, what's the basis for this new indictment?

[Carrie Johnson]

Well, last May, Jim Comey posted a photo of the numbers 86, 47 arranged in shells on the beach, 86 being a slang term for get rid of and 47 being the 47th American President Donald Trump. Comey deleted the photo. He said he thought it was a political message, not a threat. But now a grand jury in North Carolina has made a federal case out of this. It's charged Comey with two felonies, including allegedly threatening the life of the president. Here's the acting attorney General Todd Blanch at a news conference yesterday.

[Steve Inskeep]

While this case is unique and this indictment stands out because of the name of the defendant, his alleged conduct is the same kind of conduct that we will never tolerate and that we will always investigate and regularly prosecute.

[Ian Martinez]

All right, so it sounds like the Justice Department is saying that Comey is getting treated just like everybody else. Is that so?

[Carrie Johnson]

We have evidence to suggest otherwise, including posts from President Trump himself. He's been demanding that Jim Comey and other people who investigated Trump be prosecuted. Doj, of course, charged Comey with different alleged crimes last year in Virginia over some testimony he gave gave to Congress. But a judge threw out that case because the prosecutor, who was a former personal lawyer for Trump, was not legally appointed. Authorities are appealing that decision. They said from the stage yesterday the Comey investigation will continue. And Jim Comey is not the only member of his own family to be the target of an alleged retribution campaign. Last year, for no clear reason, the Justice Department fired Comey's daughter Maureen from her job as a federal prosecutor in New York. A judge just allowed her wrongful term termination case to move ahead in federal court.

[Ian Martinez]

All right, so what happens now for James Comey, and what about the legal process next?

[Carrie Johnson]

Comey's going to get his day in court, and just like last year, he'll have to appear as a defendant where he can enter a plea on these new charges. DOJ officials said he's going to get a trial by jury of his peers, and Comey says he's prepared to defend himself.

[Carvana Sponsor]

I'm still innocent, I'm still not afraid, and I still believe in the independent federal judiciary. So let's go.

[Carrie Johnson]

Yeah. Some lawyers I spoke with wonder if this case will ever get to a trial. That's because prosecutors would need to prove Comey had some understanding of the threatening nature of this post under Supreme Court precedent. And so far, the evidence is he thought this was political speech protected by the First Amendment.

[Ian Martinez]

Is this action against James Comey part of a broader pattern that maybe we're seeing at the Justice Department?

[Carrie Johnson]

It is. The Justice Department under the acting Attorney General, Todd Blanch, really seems to be intensifying its effort to go after Trump's perceived enemies. Last week, it charged the Southern Poverty Law center with misleading donors for paying informants to infiltrate hate groups. Yesterday, it indicted a former aide to Dr. Anthony Fauci for allegedly trying to conceal documents about the COVID pandemic. People who spent decades at DOJ worry juries and judges are losing confidence in its work. And one of Those former lawy wrote a new report about how DOJ is being used for political payback. Jonathan Warblewski called it vengeance masquerading as Justice.

[Ian Martinez]

That's NPR's Carrie Johnson. Carrie, thanks.

[Carrie Johnson]

Thank you.

[Ian Martinez]

President Trump hosted King Charles at a state dinner Tuesday night. They wore white tie at the White House.

[Steve Inskeep]

Charles took note of Trump's changes to the House and noted that the British troops made their own changes to the building when they burned it in 1814. The king also presented Trump with a ship's bell from a World War II vessel that was called Trump Charles. Day of diplomacy also included an address to Congress.

[King Charles]

The bond of kinship and identity between America and the United Kingdom is priceless and eternal.

[Ian Martinez]

NPR political reporter Elena Moore has been following the king's visit. So, Elena, what stood out to you from the king's speech? Not the Colin Firth film, but from what King Charles said?

[Elena Moore]

Yeah. Well, the king's trip to the US this week has been in many ways symbolic. It's a state visit tied to the celebration of America's 250th birthday. And his speech Tuesday was the first time in nearly 35 years that a British monarch addressed a joint session of Congress. But at the same time, it's also tradition for the royal families to remain politically neutral. And though this speech wasn't overtly political, the king did come with a clear message. At a moment when we're seeing a growing appetite for isolation policies in this country. He argued that the US and its European allies are stronger together.

[King Charles]

Ours is an indispensable partnership. We must not disregard everything that has sustained us for the last 80 years. Instead, we must build on it.

[Elena Moore]

And that did feel like a counter argument to what we've heard from President Trump, who's long been critical of European leaders and NATO.

[Ian Martinez]

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is the head of the UK Government. The king is a figurehead, though. So what makes the king's comments notable or have a weight?

[Elena Moore]

Well, you know, Trump has very different views of Starmer and King Charles. He's made no secret of his longtime admiration for the British royal family, and he's repeatedly praised the king himself. At the same time, Trump has been increasingly vocal in recent weeks about his displeasure with Starmer, arguing that the UK has not provided adequate military support in the Iran war, and that's caused headaches for the king at home, where much of the British public oppose this trip. It's the latest gripe Trump has with NATO countries more broadly, and he's previously said he'd consider pulling the US out of the historic post World War II alliance. So the Royals may only have soft power, but hearing Charles lobby like that for NATO is striking.

[Ian Martinez]

Yeah, there's been a lot of tension between the US And NATO even before the war with Iran began. What did the king have to say about any of that?

[Elena Moore]

Yeah, you know, it's interesting because Charles never directly referenced Iran by name in his speech, but he didn't shy away from discussing Ukraine. And there have been calls from many Republicans to stop sending military aid to the country in its war with Russia. European leaders have widely pushed back against that and pledged to keep supporting Ukraine. And, you know, King Charles stressed the importance of that support in his speech. Referencing how throughout history the US and the UK have stayed united in many major conflicts reminded lawmakers how the first and only time that NATO has invoked its mutual defense clause was in support of the U.S. after the September 11 attacks.

[King Charles]

Then he said this today, Mr. Speaker, that same unyielding resolve is needed for the defence of Ukraine and her most courageous people.

[Elena Moore]

And a. That was a moment that actually sparked a bipartisan standing ovation in the chamber.

[Ian Martinez]

That's NPR political reporter Elena Moore. Thanks a lot.

[Elena Moore]

Thank you.

[Steve Inskeep]

Today, the Supreme Court considers the Trump administration's effort to deport two large groups

[Ian Martinez]

of people they have been living legally in the US under what's called temporary protected status.

[Steve Inskeep]

NPR legal affairs correspondent Nina Totenberg joins us now to discuss this. Hi there, Nina.

[Nina Totenberg]

Hi there.

[Steve Inskeep]

Temporary protected status. What is that?

[Nina Totenberg]

It allows eligible individuals to live and work in the United States if they cannot return to their own countries because of natural disasters, armed conflicts, and other, quote, extraordinary or temporary conditions. Congress enacted the law to establish criteria for selecting, processing and registering people fleeing such turmoil. And since then, every president, Republican or Democrat, has embraced the program except President Trump. He's trying to get rid of it. And today, two countries are the test cases. Haiti, where a devastating earthquake killed over 300,000 people in 2010, leaving to this day roving gangs, cholera epidemics and no functioning government. And Syria, where a relatively small group of 7,000 has been granted protected status because civil war and Israeli bombing attacks. President Trump, of course, has never made any secret of his views on these countries. Here he is speaking to a crowd last year and using vulgarity.

[Steve Inskeep]

Why is it we only take people from whole countries?

[Carvana Sponsor]

Right.

[Steve Inskeep]

Why can't we have some people from Norway, Sweden, just a few. I'm guessing that TPS is not for places that are as stable as Norway. But how exactly does it work?

[Nina Totenberg]

It applies only to people who have lived legally and continuously in the US since their home country's most recent TPS designation. They're eligible to remain here, but under very strict criteria. Ahilan Arulan represents the Syrians in the case.

[Carvana Sponsor]

They have to go through a vetting process, which involves biometrics, background check, running them against all the federal government's databases.

[Steve Inskeep]

Two misdemeanors, you're out.

[Nina Totenberg]

In addition, people with TPS status have to renew every 18 months and go through the process all over again. The Trump administration, however, contends that none of this matters because under the 1990 TPS statute, none of these judgments is subject to review by the courts at all. 21 attorneys general from red states are supporting that view. Among them is Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach. He notes that under TPS, some of the 17 countries that have been designated as too dangerous to go back to have been on the list for more than a decade.

[Carvana Sponsor]

Temporary protected status was never intended to be a de facto amnesty. That status, as its name suggests, is temporary.

[Steve Inskeep]

Okay, he's right about the word temporary. And somebody might say the Syrian civil war is over. So what's the counterargument?

[Nina Totenberg]

Lawyers for the TPS recipients counter that the Trump administration has failed to comply with the procedures mandated under federal law. They point to then Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem's finding that even if Haiti is unsafe for them to return to, allowing them to stay here is, quote, contrary to the national interest. The Haitians with TPS status prevailed in the lower courts on a preliminary basis, but the Supreme Court has been critical of lower courts for stepping outside of their lane in immigration cases, and the court has consistently deferred to the administration's judgments.

[Steve Inskeep]

Okay. NPR's Nina Totenberg. Thanks as always. Good to see you.

[Nina Totenberg]

Good to see you, Steve.

[Ian Martinez]

And that's up first for Wednesday, April 29th. I'm Ian Martinez.

[Steve Inskeep]

And I'm Steve Inskeep. Today's up first, presented by Anna Yukonanoff, Jason Breslo, Krishnadev Kalamer, Mohamed El Bardisi and Adriana Gallardo. It was produced by Ziad Bach and Nia Dumas. Our director is Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Nisha Hines. And our technical director is Carly Strange. Our supervising producer is Michael Lipkin, who has the job of trying to supervise us. Join us again tomorrow.

[King Charles]

Foreign.

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