Trump Loyalist Lindsey Halligan Stepped Down as Top Federal Prosecutor Amid Ongoing Controversy
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that Lindsey Halligan, a Trump loyalist and top federal prosecutor in Virginia, is leaving her post. The move comes amid controversy over Halligan's handling of high-profile cases, including those against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
In November, US District Judge Cameron Currie ruled that Halligan was unlawfully serving as the interim US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, citing her lack of prosecutorial experience. Despite this ruling, Halligan remained in office, and her appointment was defended by the Trump administration.
However, a federal judge recently barred Halligan from "masquerading" as the top federal prosecutor in the region, ordering her to stop referring to herself as such. The ruling also granted Halligan immunity from disciplinary proceedings for now, citing her inexperience.
Halligan had previously faced criticism over her handling of cases against Comey and James, which were ultimately dismissed due to a lack of probable cause. Her appointment as interim US attorney was also met with skepticism, given her lack of experience.
The Trump administration has consistently defended Halligan's appointment, with White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson stating that Bondi "lawfully appointed Lindsey Halligan as the interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia." However, critics argue that Halligan's actions were driven by politics rather than a commitment to upholding the law.
As the controversy surrounding Halligan's tenure continues, it remains to be seen whether she will be replaced by a more experienced prosecutor or if her successor will face similar challenges.
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that Lindsey Halligan, a Trump loyalist and top federal prosecutor in Virginia, is leaving her post. The move comes amid controversy over Halligan's handling of high-profile cases, including those against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
In November, US District Judge Cameron Currie ruled that Halligan was unlawfully serving as the interim US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, citing her lack of prosecutorial experience. Despite this ruling, Halligan remained in office, and her appointment was defended by the Trump administration.
However, a federal judge recently barred Halligan from "masquerading" as the top federal prosecutor in the region, ordering her to stop referring to herself as such. The ruling also granted Halligan immunity from disciplinary proceedings for now, citing her inexperience.
Halligan had previously faced criticism over her handling of cases against Comey and James, which were ultimately dismissed due to a lack of probable cause. Her appointment as interim US attorney was also met with skepticism, given her lack of experience.
The Trump administration has consistently defended Halligan's appointment, with White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson stating that Bondi "lawfully appointed Lindsey Halligan as the interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia." However, critics argue that Halligan's actions were driven by politics rather than a commitment to upholding the law.
As the controversy surrounding Halligan's tenure continues, it remains to be seen whether she will be replaced by a more experienced prosecutor or if her successor will face similar challenges.