The Supreme Court has declined to revive a lawsuit filed by Carter Page, a former foreign policy adviser to Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, against former FBI Director James Comey. The decision marks the end of a long-running legal dispute tied to the Russia investigation.
Page had sued Comey, alleging that the FBI’s surveillance of him was improper. He argued that Comey made false statements to obtain a warrant to monitor his communications. The case had already been dismissed by lower courts before reaching the Supreme Court.
The Justice Department in April agreed to pay Page $1.25 million to settle other claims related to the surveillance. That settlement resolved separate allegations against the government but did not involve Comey personally. The Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the case leaves the lower court rulings intact.
The lawsuit stemmed from the FBI’s investigation into potential ties between the Trump campaign and Russia in 2016. Page was never charged with a crime, but he maintained that the surveillance damaged his reputation. He spent years seeking legal recourse.
Lower courts had ruled that Comey was entitled to qualified immunity, which protects government officials from lawsuits unless they violate clearly established law. The courts found insufficient evidence that Comey had acted with malice.
The Supreme Court’s decision was issued without comment, as is typical when justices decline to hear a case. No dissents were noted from the bench. The case had been closely watched by legal observers.
With this ruling, the legal chapter involving Page and Comey appears closed. The broader debate over the FBI’s conduct during the Russia investigation continues in political circles. Page has not indicated whether he will pursue further legal action.
