Lindsey Halligan, the former Miss Colorado turned prosecutor handpicked by Donald Trump, has been sidelined after a judge ruled her appointment as interim U.S. attorney in Virginia unlawful. The ruling invalidated charges she brought against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, leaving her future in the Department of Justice uncertain. Halligan is reportedly not involved in internal discussions about whether the cases will proceed without her, fueling questions about the chaotic state of Trump’s political prosecutions.
Court Overturns Appointment
U.S. District Judge Cameron Currie, appointed by President Bill Clinton, ruled that Halligan’s tenure as interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia was unlawful. This decision voided the indictments Halligan filed against Comey and James, both central figures in Trump’s so-called “revenge tour” against political opponents.
Prosecutorial Inexperience Highlighted
Halligan, previously Trump’s personal attorney on civil cases, had no criminal law background before her appointment. Sources noted her 63-day tenure was chaotic and gaffe-filled, culminating in allegations that a grand jury never saw the full indictment against Comey before the foreperson signed the charges, raising concerns of potential prosecutorial misconduct.
DOJ Evaluates Next Steps
The Department of Justice is exploring options to continue the cases against Comey and James. An internal source told CNN that Halligan is not participating in these discussions, and it remains unclear whether she will report to her office in Alexandria. Attorney General Pam Bondi reportedly spoke with Halligan after Currie’s ruling but offered no clarity on her status.
Trump’s Pressure on DOJ
Halligan was appointed after her predecessor, Erik Siebert, resigned rather than pursue charges Trump demanded. The president had publicly pressed Bondi on Truth Social in September, complaining that “nothing is being done” about prosecuting Comey and James, which accelerated Halligan’s appointment and subsequent filings.
Confusing Status and Titles
An internal DOJ email instructed staff to refer to Halligan with misspelled and unusual titles, including “Unites States Attorny” and “special ”U.S. Attorney.” Despite the ruling, Halligan remains listed as the lead attorney on the Eastern District of Virginia’s website, adding to the confusion surrounding her role.
Potential Appeal
The DOJ is reportedly considering appealing Currie’s ruling and may attempt to refile charges against Comey and James. Officials insist that Halligan’s exclusion from internal discussions does not equate to removal, though her influence on the cases appears diminished.
Media Scrutiny
Halligan’s appointment and rapid fall from prosecutorial authority have drawn significant media attention, highlighting the unusual nature of her selection and the high-profile consequences of Trump’s political interference in federal prosecutions. The Daily Beast and CNN have both contacted the DOJ and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for further comment.