Federal Judge Critiques Lindsey Halligan's Role as U.S. Attorney

A federal judge has sharply criticized Lindsey Halligan, President Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia, for her continued use of the title despite a court ruling declaring her appointment unlawful. U.S. District Judge David Novak, appointed by Trump in 2019, described Halligan's defense as containing "a level of vitriol more appropriate for a cable news talk show" and stated that her actions defy a binding court order issued by Judge Cameron McGowan Currie in November. This ruling invalidated Halligan's appointment, which had already exceeded the 120-day limit for interim U.S. Attorneys.

CNNJudges call curtains for Lindsey Halligan's 'masquerade' as U.S. AttorneyThe Independent

Halligan was appointed as interim U.S. Attorney in September 2025, following the departure of Erik Siebert, who faced pressure to pursue charges against political opponents of the Trump administration, including former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Shortly after her appointment, Halligan initiated criminal cases against Comey and James, which were later dismissed due to her unlawful status. Despite the ruling, Halligan continued to represent herself as the U.S. Attorney, prompting Novak's recent rebuke.

CNN

In his ruling, Judge Novak emphasized that Halligan's continued identification as U.S. Attorney was a "charade" that undermines the rule of law. He warned that her actions could lead to disciplinary proceedings, although he chose to grant her the benefit of the doubt due to her lack of prosecutorial experience. Novak's comments reflect a broader concern among judges in the Eastern District of Virginia regarding the integrity of the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Judges call curtains for Lindsey Halligan's 'masquerade' as U.S. Attorney

The Justice Department, in a filing co-signed by Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, defended Halligan, asserting that she is the U.S. Attorney and that Judge Currie's ruling did not require them to change their position. They characterized Novak's inquiry as an "inquisition" and accused him of legal errors. However, Novak's ruling underscores a significant divide between the judiciary and the executive branch regarding Halligan's legitimacy.

Judges call curtains for Lindsey Halligan's 'masquerade' as U.S. AttorneyThe IndependentCNN

Critics of Halligan's appointment, including various judges in the Eastern District, have expressed concern over her qualifications and the implications of her continued representation as U.S. Attorney. Judge William Fitzpatrick previously stated, "The law in this district right now is that she is not and has not been the United States Attorney." This sentiment was echoed by Novak, who noted that Halligan's actions could lead to a breakdown of the legal system if left unchecked.

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As Halligan's interim role comes to an end, the Chief Judge of the Eastern District of Virginia has begun soliciting applications for a new interim U.S. Attorney. The court will accept applications until February 10, 2026, as Halligan's nomination awaits Senate confirmation. The ongoing legal saga raises questions about the future leadership of the U.S. Attorney's Office and the broader implications for the rule of law under the Trump administration.

CNN

• “This charade of Ms. Halligan masquerading as the United States Attorney for this District in direct defiance of binding court orders must come to an end.” — Judge David Novak

The Independent

• “Ms. Halligan has continued to identify herself as the United States Attorney for this District in pleadings, including on the indictment and other pleadings in this case,” — Judge David Novak

CNN

• “The bottom line is that Ms. Halligan has not ‘misrepresented’ anything and the Court is flat wrong to suggest that any change to the Government’s signature block is warranted in this or any other case,” — Justice Department Filing

The Independent