U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi took to social media on Tuesday night to announce the departure of Lindsey Halligan, interim U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia.
Newsweek reached out to the Department of Justice (DOJ) via online form for additional comment.
Why It Matters
The developments underscore an escalating separation-of-powers dispute between the DOJ and federal judges over Halligan’s status after a prior ruling found her appointment unlawful, intensifying scrutiny of the Trump administration’s appointment practices and the limits on executive authority.
What To Know
Halligan, a former White House aide without prior prosecutorial experience, was named acting or interim U.S. attorney in September 2025, but a federal judge later ruled her appointment unlawful. The DOJ previously rebuked that ruling.
Taking to X, Bondi said in part: “Democratic Senators weaponized the blue slip process, making it impossible for Lindsey’s term as a United States Attorney to continue following the expiration of her 120-day appointment.”
“The circumstances that led to this outcome are deeply misguided,” she added.
This is a developing story that will be updated with additional information.
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