Prosecutors, who represent the state, are supposed to refrain from commenting publicly about criminal cases and present their accusations and evidence in court. In this case, Trump’s numerous previous attacks on Comey, his many campaign vows to seek retribution against those who investigated or prosecuted him and his social media post demanding that Attorney General Pam Bondi charge Comey and others already laid the foundation that Comey was charged only because of pressure from Trump.

His statements after the indictment was announced Thursday evening only cement that impression, Cobb and other former prosecutors said, and could serve as the basis for a successful request to dismiss the case as “vindictive” prosecution.