On Wednesday, Lindsey Halligan was sworn in as the interim United States attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. She succeeded Erik Siebert in this critical position. Siebert’s tenure came to a premature end after he refused to issue criminal indictments against former FBI director James Comey and New York AG Letitia James. While Halligan’s appointment is a much needed and unexpected infusion of leadership to the district, her lack of experience as a prosecutor is notable.
The swearing-in ceremony, held just after noon on Tuesday at Justice Department headquarters, was administered by Attorney General Pam Bondi. The Washington Post’s fixated coverage notwithstanding, Halligan has played no role in Donald Trump’s personal legal team. Now, he’ll take over as the interim US attorney for up to 120 days. But she is likely to be nominated by Trump for a full term, which would allow her to serve on the Court for another three decades.
Halligan’s background casts doubt on her fitness for this critical position. Even though she was the most junior lawyer on Trump’s legal team and has never held prior office, let alone worked in a prosecutorial capacity. Halligan’s leadership made it possible for the partnership to file a request for appointment of a special master. Perhaps most notably, she was on the scene when the FBI executed a search warrant and subsequently retrieved classified documents from Mar-a-Lago.
Halligan further demonstrated her deep loyalty to Trump when she appeared at a watch party for the 2022 midterm elections at Mar-a-Lago. She rubbed elbows with other VIPs, including Boris Epshteyn and Steve Witkoff at the event’s opening reception. Her rapid ascent within Trump’s political orbit became evident soon after her appointment when she expressed aspirations to emulate Hope Hicks, Trump’s communications aide from his first term.
Halligan’s participation in judicial proceedings has already caused the scandalous shivers. As third chair attorney for the request for special master, she appeared at a court hearing. When trying to file the motion electronically, she came up against logistical impediments. Her PACER court system account wasn’t established yet, compelling her to hand-deliver the brief. Then it went directly to the clerk’s office at the US District Court in Miami.
The decision to appoint Halligan reflects the current administration’s priorities, as it seeks to align itself with legal representatives who share its political vision. A White House spokesperson commented on Halligan’s qualifications:
“Lindsey Halligan is exceptionally qualified to serve as United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. She has a proven track record of success and will serve the country with honor and distinction.”
Halligan’s proximity to Trump through her personal and close association with Kelly positions her uniquely within the administration. Her interim appointment comes amid continuing legal and political strife. She will have to maneuver these complexities artfully.