U.S. District Judge Michael Nachmanoff is set to preside over the high-profile criminal trial of former FBI Director James Comey—an event expected to be one of the most closely watched legal proceedings of President Donald Trump’s second term. Appointed by President Joe Biden in 2021, Nachmanoff has earned a reputation for his calm, disciplined demeanor. He holds a fourth-degree black belt in Shotokan Fudokan karate, a martial art that emphasizes focus and composure under pressure—traits that legal analysts say will serve him well in managing the politically sensitive case.

Comey was indicted on federal charges of making false statements and obstructing a congressional proceeding. The charges stem from allegations that he lied during 2020 testimony before Congress. Comey pleaded not guilty during his arraignment at the federal courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia, where Nachmanoff presides.

Attorneys and legal professionals familiar with Nachmanoff describe him as even-tempered, apolitical, and deeply committed to judicial fairness. Attorney Kevin Carroll, who has argued before him, said the judge “hasn’t brought politics into it at all,” while defense attorney Robert Jenkins added that Nachmanoff is “committed to getting things right and making sure that justice is served.”

Nachmanoff’s judicial record includes oversight of high-profile cases involving federal personnel and national security. In 2024, he oversaw the conviction of a healthcare worker for illegally accessing Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s medical records. As a magistrate judge, he also handled early proceedings in the campaign finance case involving Rudy Giuliani associates Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman in 2019.

Although appointed by a Democratic president, Nachmanoff received bipartisan support in the Senate. Legal experts say his low-profile and principled judicial approach make him well-suited to handle the complexities of the Comey trial, which is already drawing intense public and political attention.