Trump's call to prosecute Comey could bolster former FBI director's defense

FILE PHOTO: James Comey, former director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), is seen in a frame grab from a video feed as he is sworn in remotely from his home during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing exploring the FBI's investigation of the 2016 Trump campaign and Russian election interference in Washington, U.S., September 30, 2020. U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo

(Reuters) -Donald Trump achieved a long-sought goal when federal prosecutors brought criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey, but the U.S. president's loud campaign against his adversary may have undermined the case by opening the door to a claim of vindictive prosecution.

Comey pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to false statements and obstruction charges stemming from congressional testimony he gave in 2020.