POLITICS

Virginia Judges Move To Replace Trump-Appointed U.S. Attorney

PUBLISHED Jan 20, 2026, 4:53 PM ET

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Virginia Judges Move To Replace Trump-Appointed U.S. Attorney

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 7

Left 14%

Center 86%

Sources: 7

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 Najma A. | 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.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 7
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 6
Distribution:: Left 14%, Center 86%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

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.

Who Impacted

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.