Appointment follows resignation of previous prosecutor amid political pressures
President Donald Trump announced the nomination of White House aide Lindsey Halligan to serve as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. The decision comes after the resignation of Erik Siebert, who had been leading the office and stepped down amid political tensions surrounding ongoing investigations.
Trump made the announcement on Saturday through a social media post, stating that Halligan would ensure fair and impartial justice. The nomination coincides with the president’s call for Attorney General Pam Bondi to advance legal proceedings in several cases, including those involving political opponents.
Background of the nomination
The prosecutor’s office in the Eastern District of Virginia has drawn attention due to alleged pressure to pursue charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James in a mortgage fraud inquiry. James has denied the allegations, describing the investigation as politically motivated.
Siebert’s departure left the office in uncertainty, with Halligan now positioned as Trump’s nominee to take over. Halligan has been part of Trump’s legal circle for years, including work during the FBI investigation into classified documents retained at Mar-a-Lago. More recently, she has been involved in administration initiatives regarding federal institutions.
Reactions and confirmation process
Just hours before Halligan’s nomination, conservative lawyer Mary “Maggie” Cleary informed staff she would be serving as acting U.S. attorney, adding further complexity to the leadership transition within the office.
Halligan’s appointment will now require Senate confirmation, a step that will determine the official leadership of the Virginia office. The outcome is expected to play a role in shaping the ongoing relationship between the administration and federal investigations.
