Judge Prohibits Trump Ally Lindsey Halligan from Impersonating Federal Prosecutor
A federal judge has prohibited Lindsey Halligan, an ally of former President Donald Trump, from representing herself as the top federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia. The ruling comes amid legal disputes regarding her role which has been deemed unlawful.
Judge’s Ruling on Lindsey Halligan
U.S. District Judge David Novak issued a formal order stating that Halligan cannot masquerade as the United States Attorney in any legal proceedings until she is properly appointed through Senate confirmation or court appointment. The judge acknowledged Halligan’s lack of experience, which led him to refrain from disciplinary action against her for the time being.
In November, another ruling had already declared Halligan’s position unlawful. This current order serves as a warning; if she continues to misrepresent herself, she may face sanctions. Judge Novak noted, “The Court recognizes that Ms. Halligan lacks the prosecutorial experience that has long been the norm for those nominated to the position.”
Job Vacancy for U.S. Attorney Position
On the same day as Judge Novak’s ruling, Chief Judge M. Hannah Lauck announced a job opening for the interim U.S. Attorney position previously held by Halligan. Applications are being accepted until February 10, 2026. The court has the authority to appoint an interim attorney when the position is vacant, according to federal law.
- Position: Interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia
- Application Deadline: February 10, 2026
Previous Legal Actions and Context
Halligan’s contentious appointment gained attention after she attempted to prosecute former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. These cases were dismissed, highlighting her inexperience in handling such matters. Her prosecution attempts faced significant resistance, including a lack of support from federal grand jurors.
Further complications arose last month when federal prosecutors, under the Trump administration, failed to resurrect the case against James, showcasing the challenges Halligan encountered in her role.
In January, Halligan was nominated once again for the position, but her confirmation has yet to progress in the Senate. The Justice Department recently referred to her as the “United States Attorney and Special Attorney,” indicating ongoing internal discussions regarding her status. However, this continues to be a point of contention.
Both the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the White House have declined to comment on this evolving situation.
