Virginia Judges Move To Replace Trump-Appointed U.S. Attorney
PUBLISHED Jan 20, 2026, 4:53 PM ET
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Washington — Federal judges in the Eastern District of Virginia moved to replace Lindsey Halligan, the Trump-appointed interim U.S. attorney, after a judge ruled her appointment unlawful. One judge solicited applications for a successor and another barred Halligan from representing herself in his court. Halligan had pursued indictments of FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James; those indictments were dismissed after the appointment ruling. Halligan’s 120-day interim term expired and Attorney General Pam Bondi announced departure Tuesday; on January 21, 2025, officials named Erik Siebert interim U.S. Attorney. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.
By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- September (prior year): Lindsey Halligan appointed interim U.S. attorney for EDVA via executive action.
- November (prior year): A federal judge ruled Halligan's appointment unlawful and dismissed indictments she filed.
- Early January 2025: Two EDVA judges issued orders soliciting applicants and limited Halligan's courtroom representation.
- January 2025: Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Halligan's departure after her 120-day interim term expired.
- January 21, 2025: The Trump administration appointed Erik Siebert as interim U.S. Attorney for EDVA.
- Articles Published:
- 7
- Right Leaning:
- 0
- Left Leaning:
- 1
- Neutral:
- 6
- Distribution:
- Left 14%, Center 86%, Right 0%
The judiciary and proponents of Senate confirmation benefited by reinforcing procedural norms, prompting replacement of a contested interim U.S. attorney and restoring reliance on Senate and judicial oversight for key prosecutorial appointments.
Lindsey Halligan experienced career and reputational setback when a judge ruled her appointment unlawful, her indictments were dismissed, and her interim term ended amid judicial scrutiny.
Coverage of Story:
From Left
Warner, Kaine Statement on Lindsay Halligan's Departure from EDVA
U.S. Senator Mark R. WarnerFrom Center
Virginia Judges Move To Replace Trump-Appointed U.S. Attorney
Post and Courier 2 News Nevada 2 News Nevada Orlando Sentinel TribLIVE 2 News NevadaFrom Right
No right-leaning sources found for this story.
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