Trump nominates Lindsey Halligan amid pressure on Virginia prosecutor's office

In the United States, President Donald Trump announced on September 20, 2025, his intention to nominate Lindsey Halligan, a former defense attorney, as the top federal prosecutor for the Eastern District of Virginia. This announcement follows the resignation of the previous acting U.S. Attorney, Erik Siebert, who left amid pressure from Trump and his administration to pursue criminal charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James over alleged mortgage fraud. Siebert's departure highlighted the political tensions between Trump and James, who has publicly challenged the former president in legal matters. Lindsey Halligan, who has served as a senior aide in the White House, has been vocal about her commitment to ensuring a tough approach as a prosecutor. Her nomination comes during a turbulent period where the Eastern District of Virginia has been scrutinized for its ability to conduct independent investigations without yielding to political pressures. Amid the demands from Trump and his allies, the ability of federal prosecutors to maintain integrity in their work remains under examination. Mary “Maggie” Cleary was appointed as the acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia immediately following Siebert's resignation. Cleary, a conservative lawyer with political ties, acknowledged the unexpected nature of her appointment in an email to her staff, indicating the office's ongoing unrest. The investigation into Letitia James, whom Trump views as a significant adversary, focuses on allegations concerning discrepancies in property documentation related to fraud. Trump's administration has criticized previous prosecutors for not acting against James, amplifying concerns over the misuse of judicial resources for political battles. The nomination of Halligan has spurred discussions about the politicization of the U.S. Justice Department under Trump's influence. Critics argue that the focus should instead return to legitimate investigative pursuits rather than orchestrating politically driven prosecutions. Following Siebert’s departure, there were indications that both Virginia Senators, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, had previously supported his nomination, emphasizing the bipartisan concerns that surfaced due to pressures exerted by the Trump administration for persecution of political opponents. As new appointments unfold, the future integrity of the prosecutor's office—and its independence—remains uncertain amid ongoing political dynamics.