WASHINGTON, Sept 26, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - US President Donald Trump labeled former FBI director James Comey "a dirty cop," hours after he was indicted on two criminal counts amid an escalating campaign of retribution against Trump's foes.

Comey was charged Thursday with making false statements and obstruction of justice in connection with the probe he conducted into whether Russia interfered in the 2016 election that Trump won and if he colluded with the Russians.

"He is a Dirty Cop, and always has been," Trump said in a long rant on his Truth Social platform.

The charges on Thursday came days after Trump publicly urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to take action against Comey and others he sees as enemies -- a stunning departure from the principle that the Justice Department must be free of White House pressure.

Trump has waged a relentless blitz in his second term against enemies real and perceived, but the charges against Comey are the most dramatic instance yet.

In a video posted on Instagram, Comey said "I'm not afraid" and denied any wrongdoing.

Comey faces up to five years in prison if convicted, according to federal prosecutor Lindsey Halligan, who was appointed by Trump just days ago. She is a former personal lawyer to the president who has no experience as a prosecutor.

"He knew exactly what he was saying, and that it was a very serious and far reaching lie for which a very big price must be paid!" Trump added in his post.

Trump fired Comey in 2017 amid a probe into whether any members of the Trump campaign had colluded with Moscow to sway the 2016 presidential vote.

During Trump's second term, Comey has been an outspoken critic of what he says are the president's efforts to use the justice system as a tool for political gain.

Trump's first stint in the White House was dogged by controversy over Russian involvement in trying to influence the 2016 election -- as well as his own links to Russia.

Since returning to power this year, he has moved quickly to use his powers to attack the investigation into the election.