Trump Installs Interim U.S. Attorney; Critics Warn

Eight months into his second term, President Trump escalated public pressure on the Justice Department and Attorney General Pam Bondi to prosecute perceived political foes, urging action on New York Attorney General Letitia James, former FBI Director James Comey and Sen. Adam Schiff. He installed Lindsey Halligan as interim U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia after ousting Erik Siebert. Former federal prosecutors, Democrats and legal observers warned the moves amounted to weaponizing federal power and undermining DOJ independence. Critics pointed to a pattern of installing loyalists and other personnel changes that could pressure prosecutors to pursue weak or politically motivated cases, while the White House defended Halligan’s qualifications. The developments have set up a contentious fight over selective prosecution and the future stewardship of the Justice Department.