In a dramatic turn of events, President Trump announced on Saturday his nomination of Lindsey Halligan, a senior White House aide, to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. This decision comes on the heels of Erik Siebert’s unexpected resignation, which has raised questions about political motivations and the integrity of the Justice Department.
Trump made the announcement via social media shortly after leaving the White House for an event at Mount Vernon. He praised Halligan as a candidate who would be “Fair, Smart, and will provide, desperately needed, JUSTICE FOR ALL!” His choice comes at a time when the office is in turmoil, having faced pressure from Trump administration officials to pursue criminal charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James in connection to a mortgage fraud investigation.
The announcement of Halligan’s nomination came just hours after another attorney, Mary “Maggie” Cleary, claimed in an email to staff that she had been appointed acting U.S. Attorney. Cleary expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and emphasized the “distinguished legacy” of the Eastern District of Virginia, indicating her readiness to lead. It remains unclear who will officially head the office during Halligan’s Senate confirmation process, as CBS News has sought clarification from the White House.
Halligan has been closely associated with Trump’s legal battles for several years, including her role as one of his attorneys during the FBI’s investigation into his handling of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. In a follow-up post on Truth Social, Trump reaffirmed his confidence in Halligan, calling her a “tough, smart, and loyal attorney” who has stood up for him against what he describes as the “Weaponization of our Justice System” by President Biden and the “Radical Left Democrats.”
The tumultuous backdrop of this appointment stems from Siebert’s resignation, which was reportedly influenced by pressure to prosecute James. Sources close to the situation indicated that federal prosecutors in the district were concerned about Siebert’s job security due to his reluctance to pursue charges against James. When asked about Siebert’s status, Trump openly stated, “Yeah, I want him out,” signaling a clear dismissal of any concerns regarding the ethical implications of such a move.
Halligan’s potential leadership arrives amid ongoing investigations into James, who has been a vocal critic of Trump. Allegations against her involve claims that she provided false information on mortgage applications to secure better loan rates. Despite the lengthy investigation by the Justice Department, no charges have been brought against her, and her legal team has strongly denied any wrongdoing, suggesting the inquiry is politically motivated retribution.
In 2022, James filed a lawsuit against Trump, alleging years of financial fraud, claiming that he and his family inflated his net worth to secure favorable loan rates. A judge ruled against Trump, finding him and the Trump Organization liable for fraud, imposing fines that have since ballooned to over $500 million due to accumulated interest. In a recent ruling, a New York appellate court deemed the penalties “excessive,” although it raised questions about the underlying merits of the case.
Siebert’s resignation was reportedly submitted in an email to colleagues, but Trump has publicly claimed he fired him, emphasizing the political dynamics at play. The president stated on Truth Social that he withdrew Siebert’s nomination after learning that he had received strong bipartisan support from Virginia Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner. The senators criticized Trump’s actions, remarking, “Threatening to pull anyone who criticizes him on TV off the air” and removing an ethical prosecutor like Siebert simply because he wouldn’t pursue charges against Trump’s perceived enemies.
In defense of his decision, Trump has continued to assert his belief that there is a “GREAT CASE” against James, despite the lack of evidence to date. The ongoing saga reflects the deepening political divisions within the Justice Department and raises significant questions about the integrity of its operations under the current administration.
Cleary, who recently returned to the Justice Department, has her own complicated history, having been wrongly identified in connection to the January 6 Capitol riot. She has publicly discussed her experiences of feeling politically targeted, portraying herself as a victim of a politically charged environment. Her previous roles include serving as a federal prosecutor and holding positions within the Virginia state government.
As the nomination process for Halligan begins, the implications of her appointment and the future of the investigation into Letitia James remain uncertain. The political stakes are high, and the potential for further turmoil within the Justice Department looms large as both sides prepare for a contentious battle over accountability and justice.
