Trump-appointed attorney steps down amid legal challenges
Lindsey Halligan, a Trump-appointed federal attorney who led failed prosecutions against two of President Donald Trump’s political opponents, has left her role at the U.S. Department of Justice. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed her departure on Tuesday.
Halligan’s exit follows months of sharp criticism from multiple federal judges, who questioned both her appointment and her authority to act as U.S. attorney for the eastern district of Virginia. Several rulings concluded that her appointment was unlawful under federal statutes governing interim prosecutors.
Failed indictments against political opponents
Halligan was sworn in as interim U.S. attorney in September after her predecessor declined to pursue charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI director James Comey. Halligan, who had no prior prosecutorial experience and previously served as Trump’s personal attorney, oversaw indictments against both figures.
Those cases were widely criticized as politically motivated and were dismissed by a federal judge in November. The court ruled that Halligan lacked the legal authority to bring the indictments, stating that her appointment violated the 120-day limit for interim U.S. attorneys.
Judges reject Justice Department arguments
Under federal law, attorneys general may appoint interim U.S. attorneys for a limited period. Judges determined that because Halligan’s predecessor had already served a full interim term, only the federal judiciary could fill the vacancy. The Justice Department argued it could make consecutive interim appointments, but at least six federal judges rejected that interpretation.
On Tuesday, federal judge David Novak ordered that Halligan no longer present herself as the U.S. attorney in court filings. He warned that continued use of the title could result in disciplinary action, describing her conduct as a direct defiance of court orders.
Position declared vacant
In a separate ruling, Chief Judge M. Hannah Lauck directed court staff to publish a job announcement for the U.S. attorney role, formally declaring the position vacant. The move underscored the judiciary’s position that Halligan could not lawfully remain in the post.
Bondi praised Halligan’s service in a social media statement, calling her departure the result of misguided circumstances and criticizing obstacles faced by the administration in staffing law enforcement roles. Halligan did not respond to requests for comment.
