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Good morning and welcome our live updates of American political developments with one-time FBI Director James B. Comey expected to make his first court appearance in a Department of Justice prosecution alleging he provided false information to the U.S. Congress five years ago.

Legal Proceedings and Expected Outcomes

The arraignment is anticipated to be short, per Associated Press, but the moment is nevertheless loaded with historic weight considering that the case has heightened concerns that the DOJ is being employed politically in pursuit of President Trump's political enemies.

Comey is expected to plead not guilty at the U.S. district court in Virginia's Alexandria, and defense lawyers will very likely attempt to have the charges thrown out prior to trial, perhaps by arguing that the legal action represents a discriminatory or vindictive legal pursuit.

Specific Charges and Judicial Claims

The two-count indictment alleges that the defendant gave deceptive testimony to the Congressional committee on 30 September 2020, by claiming he didn't approved an assistant to act as an unnamed source to the news media, and that he impeded a congressional proceeding.

James Comey has denied any wrongdoing and has stated he was looking forward to a trial. The indictment withholds the identity of the person or specify what details may have been provided to the press.

Political Setting and Broader Consequences

While criminal charges are usually just the start of a drawn-out legal process, the DOJ has trumpeted the situation itself as a form of success.

Former administration representatives are anticipated to reference any criminal finding as evidence the case was well-justified, but an exoneration or even dismissal may also be held up as further support for their persistent claim that the legal system is prejudiced toward them.

Judicial Appointment and Political Comments

The judge chosen by lottery to the case, Nachmanoff, is a Biden administration court nominee. Recognized for thorough preparation and a cool temperament, the judge and his background have already drawn the chief executive's attention, with Trump mocking him as a "the current president selected Judge."

Other Governmental Events

• President Trump had a meeting with the Canada's leader, Carney, and lightheartedly proposed him to consent to "unification" of their two countries
• Donald Trump hinted that he might not follow a law mandating that government staff without pay will get backpay after the government shutdown ends
• Congressional leader Mike Johnson claimed that his choice to postpone the official seating of congresswoman-elect Grijalva of AZ has "nothing to do" with the fact that she would be the 218th endorser on the cross-party congressional measure
• Kristi Noem, the DHS secretary, toured the immigration enforcement center in Oregon's Portland accompanied by conservative influencers

During the five-hour hearing, Attorney General Bondi declined to discuss several the administration's contentious policies, notwithstanding ongoing inquiries from the Democrats

When pressed, she personally attacked a number of lawmakers from the minority or invoked the current government shutdown to depict them as irresponsible.

Worldwide Events

Overseas in Egypt, a United States representatives has participated in the negotiations taking place between Palestinian group and Israel on the Middle East initiative with the most recent development that hostage and prisoner rosters have been exchanged.