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Virginia Judges Seek New U.S. Attorney as Court Bars Halligan’s Title and Her Term Expires

The actions follow a ruling that found her interim appointment unlawful, leaving politically charged cases dismissed.

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: Lindsey Halligan, attorney for U.S. President Donald Trump, looks on during an executive order signing in the Oval Office of the White House, on March 31, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Al Drago/Getty Images)
FILE - Lindsey Halligan, outside of the White House, Aug. 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)
Lindsey Halligan on Aug. 20, 2025 outside of the White House.
FILE - Lindsey Halligan, special assistant to the president, speaks with a reporter outside of the White House, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

Overview

  • Chief Judge M. Hannah Lauck invoked 28 U.S.C. § 546(d) and posted a vacancy to solicit applicants for an interim U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia, with materials due by Feb. 10.
  • U.S. District Judge David J. Novak issued an 18-page order striking Lindsey Halligan’s use of the “United States Attorney” title in his court and warned of potential disciplinary proceedings for any continued use.
  • Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Halligan left the post after her 120-day interim appointment expired on Jan. 20, as the court moved to treat the position as vacant.
  • The Justice Department maintains Halligan was properly appointed, continues to refer to her as U.S. attorney in some filings, and is appealing the November ruling that invalidated her appointment.
  • Indictments Halligan brought against James Comey and Letitia James were dismissed when her appointment was found unlawful, and subsequent grand juries declined to re-indict.