Lindsey Halligan, the Trump-appointed attorney who served as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, has resigned from her post following significant legal challenges and court criticism. The move was confirmed by Attorney General Pam Bondi on Tuesday, marking the end of a controversial tenure that saw Halligan at the center of political and legal disputes.
Resignation Amidst Growing Court Criticism
Halligan’s resignation comes after months of sharp criticism from federal judges, who raised serious concerns about her appointment and her legal authority to serve in the position. Several rulings found that her appointment violated federal laws governing the appointment of interim U.S. attorneys. The controversy surrounding her role intensified after multiple judges ruled that she did not have the legal authority to bring certain high-profile indictments.
Failed Prosecutions Against Political Figures
Appointed in September as interim U.S. Attorney, Halligan took over the position after her predecessor chose not to pursue charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey. Halligan, who had no prior prosecutorial experience and previously worked as President Trump’s personal attorney, oversaw charges against both figures.
These cases were seen by many as politically motivated, and in November, a federal judge dismissed the indictments, ruling that Halligan’s appointment had been unlawful. The court determined that her appointment violated the 120-day limit for interim U.S. attorneys under federal law, resulting in the case being thrown out.
Judicial Rejection of Justice Department’s Arguments
Under federal law, interim U.S. attorneys can be appointed for limited periods. Halligan’s predecessor had already served a full interim term, meaning that only the federal judiciary could fill the vacancy, according to the courts. The Justice Department had argued that consecutive interim appointments were permissible, but this view was rejected by at least six federal judges.
Judge David Novak, in a ruling on Tuesday, ordered Halligan to cease presenting herself as the U.S. Attorney in court filings. He warned that continuing to use the title could result in disciplinary action, marking a clear rebuke of her actions.
Formal Vacancy Declared
In a separate ruling, Chief Judge M. Hannah Lauck declared the position of U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia officially vacant. Court staff was instructed to post a job listing for the role, underscoring the judiciary’s position that Halligan could not lawfully remain in the position.
Praise and Criticism Amid Her Departure
Despite the legal challenges and court rulings against her, Attorney General Pam Bondi praised Halligan’s service in a statement, calling her departure the result of “misguided circumstances” and criticizing the obstacles that had made it difficult to properly staff law enforcement roles within the administration. Halligan has not responded to requests for comment regarding her resignation.
