Halligan Departs Eastern Virginia U.S. Attorney Post After Unlawful Appointment Ruling
Updated (22 articles)
Judge Declares Halligan’s Appointment Unlawful federal judge ruled that Lindsey Halligan’s 120‑day interim appointment violated statutory requirements, invalidating her authority to act as U.S. attorney and prompting a separate order that stripped “United States Attorney” from her signature block[1][2][3]. The ruling, referenced in both the Currie and Novak decisions, barred Halligan from presenting herself as the district’s top prosecutor and warned of disciplinary action for non‑compliance[2][1]. The Department of Justice publicly rebuked the judgment, arguing the court overstepped its authority in appointment matters[1].
Attorney General Announces Departure and Frames Loss Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on X that Halligan would leave the Justice Department, describing the exit as a “significant loss” for the agency and pledging that Halligan will continue to serve the country in other capacities[2][3]. Bondi also criticized the staffing hurdles that led to the vacancy and promised a review of decisions that she says have hindered public safety[3]. Her announcement echoed the broader political dispute over the blue‑slip process and Senate confirmation powers highlighted by Newsweek[1].
Court Advertises Interim Attorney Vacancy Through February 10 Chief Judge M. Hannah Lauck issued an order inviting applications for a new interim U.S. attorney, setting a February 10 deadline for submissions[2][3]. The Eastern District of Virginia will solicit and review candidates during this window while appeals concerning Halligan’s appointment continue[1]. This vacancy notice aims to fill the leadership gap created by Halligan’s departure and restore prosecutorial stability in the district[2].
Indictments Against Trump‑Favored Targets Dismissed The court’s finding of an unlawful appointment led to the dismissal of indictments that Halligan had secured at the request of the Trump administration, including cases against James and former FBI Director James Comey[3]. These dismissals underscore the precarious legal footing of prosecutions pursued under Halligan’s brief tenure[1]. The pattern mirrors a similar ruling that forced Trump ally Alina Habba to resign, indicating a broader scrutiny of politically motivated appointments[3].
Sources (3 articles)
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[1]
Newsweek: Bondi Announces Halligan Departure as Interim U.S. Attorney Amid Separation‑of‑Powers Dispute: Summarizes Bondi’s social‑media announcement, claims that Democratic senators weaponized the blue‑slip process, DOJ’s rebuke of the judge’s ruling, and the upcoming application window, emphasizing the constitutional dispute over appointment authority.
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[2]
CNN: Halligan leaves EDVA after judge's vitriolic ruling as EDVA seeks interim U.S. attorney: Highlights Novak’s 18‑page criticism, Halligan’s continued self‑identification as U.S. attorney despite the Currie ruling, and Bondi’s framing of the exit as a personal loss, focusing on the tone and rhetoric of the judicial decision.
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[3]
AP: Halligan exits as interim U.S. attorney after court finds appointment unlawful: Details the vacancy notice, dismissal of Comey and James indictments, and parallels with Alina Habba’s resignation, underscoring a broader pattern of challenges to unlawful appointments within the administration.
Stories about this story (3 stories)
All related articles (22 articles)
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Newsweek: Bondi Announces Halligan Departure as Interim U.S. Attorney Amid Separation-of-Powers Dispute
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CNN: Halligan leaves EDVA after judge's vitriolic ruling as EDVA seeks interim U.S. attorney
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AP: Halligan exits as interim U.S. attorney after court finds appointment unlawful
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AP: Justice Department accuses judge of abusing power in questioning prosecutor's authority
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CNN: DOJ defends Lindsey Halligan as judge questions authority in Virginia
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CNN: Justice Department fires top EDVA prosecutor as Halligan-led office faces leadership turmoil
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AP: Judge disqualifies acting U.S. attorney overseeing Letitia James investigation
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CNN: Federal judge rules Trump-picked prosecutor John Sarcone unlawfully serving, bars him from two investigations into New York Attorney General Letitia James
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Newsweek: DOJ appeals in Comey and James cases after Halligan ruling
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CNN: Justice Department Faces Decision After Second Grand Jury Rejection of Letitia James Indictment
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AP: Grand Jury Rejects Second Attempt to Indict NY Attorney General Letitia James
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CNN: Justice Department Declines to Reindict New York Attorney General Letitia James
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CNN: Grand Jury Rejects Letitia James Charges Again, Trump’s Retribution Campaign Falters
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Newsweek: Grand Jury Declines to Reindict New York Attorney General Letitia James
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AP: Grand jury rejects new mortgage‑fraud indictment against New York Attorney General Letitia James
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AP: NY Attorney General Challenges Acting U.S. Attorney Over Trump Investigation
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BBC: Virginia Grand Jury Rejects Indictment of NY Attorney General Letitia James
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King5 (Seattle, WA): Grand Jury Rejects New Mortgage Fraud Indictment Against NY Attorney General Letitia James
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Newsweek: Letitia James Wins Legal Victory as Virginia Grand Jury Declines to Indict
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CNN: Grand Jury Rejects Second Indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James
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CNN: Justice Department May Re‑Indict Former FBI Director James Comey This Week
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CNN: Judge Dismisses Lindsey Halligan’s Authority Over Comey and James Indictments
External resources (16 links)
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- https://bjs.ojp.gov/content/pub/pdf/fjs13st.pdf (cited 1 times)
- https://www.vaed.uscourts.gov/sites/vaed/files/Signed%20Order%20re%20US%20Attorney%20Vacancy%2020JAN2026.pdf (cited 1 times)
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- https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26471501-doj-filing-defending-lindsey-halligan/ (cited 1 times)
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdLe3nfFdcs&t=132s (cited 1 times)
- https://x.com/srl/status/2013779293071982873 (cited 1 times)
- https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=f40e055f688a4b58fdf6bebb27279e1bbf6964de79e8e51415b005a4f9561b91JmltdHM9MTc2NjE4ODgwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=24c05a7b-dba0-6e8d-1f70-4e79da6b6f70&psq=James+Comey+Newsweek&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmV3c3dlZWsuY29tL2phbWVzLWNvbWV5LXN0cmlrZXMtYmFjay0xMDg4MjMyNw (cited 1 times)
- https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/more-trouble-for-the-comey-indictment (cited 1 times)
- https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-justice-department-s-dangerously-weak-case-against-letitia-james (cited 1 times)