Trump Aide Lindsey Halligan Sworn In as U.S. Attorney for Eastern District of Virginia

Lindsey Halligan, a former personal attorney and aide to President Donald Trump, has been sworn in as the interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA). The appointment, announced on September 22, 2025, follows the controversial departure of Erik Siebert, who resigned after clashing with the Trump administration over politically sensitive cases.

Background of the Appointment

The Eastern District of Virginia, often referred to as the “rocket docket” for its fast-moving cases, plays a critical role in national security and high-profile prosecutions. Halligan’s elevation to this post comes at a moment of heightened tension between the Trump administration and the Justice Department over how politically charged cases should be handled.

Erik Siebert, who had been leading the office since early 2025, reportedly resisted pressure from the White House to pursue charges against figures such as New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey. After repeated public criticism from Trump, Siebert resigned, though the President claimed he had been dismissed.

Who Is Lindsey Halligan?

Halligan built her career as a Florida insurance lawyer before joining Trump’s legal defense team in 2022. She later transitioned into a political role as a special assistant to the President, where she worked on reviews of federal institutions for alleged ideological bias. Despite her close ties to Trump, she has no prior experience as a federal prosecutor.

Under federal law, her appointment as interim U.S. Attorney is limited to 120 days, unless extended by the district court or confirmed by the Senate.

Reactions and Concerns

The move has sparked a wave of criticism from legal experts, lawmakers, and civil liberties advocates. Their concerns center on three main points:

• Lack of prosecutorial background: Halligan’s absence of courtroom prosecution experience raises questions about her readiness to oversee one of the nation’s most important U.S. Attorney’s offices.

• Potential political interference: Critics fear her appointment is designed to ensure prosecutions aligned with Trump’s political agenda, rather than impartial enforcement of the law.

• Threats to DOJ independence: Because EDVA handles sensitive national security cases, some warn this decision could erode confidence in the Department of Justice’s independence.

Supporters of the move argue that Halligan’s legal expertise and loyalty to Trump will ensure alignment between the administration’s priorities and the Justice Department’s enforcement efforts.

Looking Ahead

Halligan’s short-term leadership could reshape priorities in the Eastern District of Virginia. Cases previously delayed under Siebert may see renewed momentum, particularly investigations involving Trump’s political rivals. At the same time, the appointment sets up a potential battle in the Senate, where her confirmation is expected to face intense scrutiny.

Whether Halligan’s tenure proves to be a temporary political maneuver or a long-term shift in federal prosecutorial direction will depend on the outcomes of both her decisions in office and the Senate’s confirmation process.

As the legal and political stakes mount, the controversy surrounding her appointment underscores the broader debate over the independence of America’s justice system under the Trump administration.