WASHINGTON — President Donald J. Trump announced Saturday that he is appointing Lindsey Halligan, a long-time legal ally, as his choice for U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, a role that brings with it considerable influence and deep political stakes.
In a post on his social media platform, Trump praised Halligan as “tough, smart, and loyal,” noting her prior work as Special Assistant to the President and as an attorney in high-profile cases involving him—including the fight over Mar-a-Lago and what he called the “Democrat Documents Hoax.” He framed her appointment as part of a broader effort to counter what he has described as the “weaponization” of the justice system by his political opponents.
Halligan’s potential elevation comes in the wake of the sudden resignation of Erik Siebert, who had been serving in that U.S. attorney’s role. The transition was preceded by mounting pressure from the president for more aggressive investigations of political rivals, including former New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey.
Trump’s announcement explicitly links Halligan’s appointment to his demand for “justice” against those he claims have wronged him. In Saturday’s social media statements, he emphasized that she would be fair and strong — and suggested that prior officeholders, including Siebert, had been too cautious.
Legal experts and ethics watchdogs are likely to raise concerns over whether the appointment reflects a politicization of the judiciary at a sensitive moment. The Eastern District of Virginia is a prominent federal prosecutor’s office, sometimes called the “rocket docket,” known for moving cases quickly and handling high-profile matters. Its proximity to Washington, D.C. adds to the importance of the role.
Some observers warn that Halligan’s close personal and professional ties to Trump could complicate perceptions of fairness—especially as she has represented him in past cases and has been in the Trump orbit.
At the same time, the move appears to send a strong signal: that the current administration intends for U.S. attorney offices to be more aggressive in pursuing investigations of political opponents. Critics say this risks turning prosecutors into instruments of political vendetta. Supporters of Trump argue that previous appointees were too hesitant to act, even when Trump contends there is wrongdoing.
