Trump Plans Lindsey Halligan Nomination for Virginia Top Federal Prosecutor Amid Political Pressure

President Donald Trump announced his intent to nominate Lindsey Halligan, a senior White House aide and one of his former defense attorneys, as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. This office has been embroiled in turmoil following the resignation of its previous top prosecutor, Erik Siebert, amid pressure from Trump administration officials to pursue charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James in a mortgage fraud investigation. Despite months of investigation, prosecutors have not found sufficient evidence to indict James, who denies the allegations and views the probe as politically motivated. Halligan, known for her role in Trump's legal defense during the classified documents investigation at Mar-a-Lago, is seen as a loyal legal defender. Trump's nomination reflects his broader effort to install allies in key justice positions and to press Attorney General Pam Bondi to pursue cases against his political opponents. Halligan's appointment is expected to impact ongoing investigations and signals Trump's commitment to reshaping federal prosecutorial leadership in line with his agenda.