From White House adviser to Trump's personally chosen prosecutor: 63 days with Lindsey Halligan

As Lindsey Halligan was returning to the Washington, DC area on Monday, the US attorney appointed by former President Trump to lead the Alexandria, Virginia office faced questions about her employment status. Attorney General Pam Bondi contacted her directly but provided no definitive answer, according to sources familiar with the call.

Earlier that day, while Halligan was visiting a federal prosecutors office in Richmond, Virginia, nearly two hours away, a federal judge ruled that she had been serving unlawfully in her role. The judge determined that the Justice Department had exceeded the 120-day limit allowed for interim US attorneys before presidential nominations require Senate review. As a result, the judge invalidated the indictment against former FBI Director James Comey and Halligans criminal case against New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Previously, another judge had criticized Halligans handling of the Comey case before a grand jury, casting doubt on whether the case could continue. The dismissal of Comeys charges caused disruption among prosecutors in her office, leaving uncertainty over whether she should be listed as their supervisor on court filings. Halligan herself awaited guidance from Justice Department leadership.

Days later, her status remains unsettled as officials consider reviving the Comey and James cases. A source said Halligan has been excluded from these discussions, though DOJ officials disputed that claim, stating any confusion stemmed from the local office rather than headquarters. DOJ guidance indicated that Halligan had not been removed from her post due to the judges ruling.

During her 63-day tenure as interim US attorney, Halligans appointment, made by Trump, caused significant disruption among career prosecutors in the Alexandria office. Concerns arose about the offices credibility and internal trust, as experienced prosecutors departed and morale declined.

Trumps Influence and Halligans Appointment

Before the September 30 deadline for pursuing charges against Comey, then-US Attorney Erik Siebert, who had hesitated to prosecute, was replaced. Trump publicly urged Bondi to act quickly against his political opponents, including Comey and James, and suggested Halligan take over the office. Previously a White House adviser and Trumps personal attorney on civil matters, Halligan had no prior prosecutorial experience but was selected for her willingness to pursue cases Trump favored.

Halligans preparation for grand jury proceedings was challenging. DOJ headquarters declined to provide additional attorneys to assist her, leaving her to work directly with FBI agents and attorneys. Restrictions prevented DOJ staff from joining her in the grand jury room due to federal procedural rules, requiring Halligan to take a crash course in prosecution.

Internal Office Disruption

Halligans arrival prompted unease among career prosecutors. Top national security staff were dismissed shortly after she assumed the role, including Michael BenAry, who left a note criticizing the removal of experienced officials for undermining national security efforts. During this time, Halligan also pursued high-profile cases against Comey and James, further straining relationships with career attorneys.

Her management style, including potential security measures in the office and interactions with other Trump administration lawyers, contributed to an atmosphere of suspicion. Halligan maintained she was not involved in any surveillance or security camera installations.

Grand Jury Proceedings and Legal Questions

Halligans handling of grand jury proceedings drew scrutiny. Judges reviewed transcripts and raised concerns about misstatements to grand jurors that could compromise the integrity of the process. In the Comey case, the final indictment was not fully presented to the grand jury, leading to confusion in court filings. Similarly, issues arose in the case against James, although the judge dismissed her charges before they were fully addressed in court.

Ongoing Uncertainty

Justice Department officials continue to explore how to revive the cases against Comey and James. Halligans professional reputation has suffered during her brief tenure, transitioning from a central prosecutor targeting political adversaries to a source of internal confusion. Her name remains on court filings, but office staff now include the deputy attorney general and a new first assistant alongside her, reflecting ongoing ambiguity in her role.

The DOJ has yet to file appeals regarding the judges ruling that Halligan was not a valid interim US attorney during September and October, leaving the next steps in the cases unresolved.

Author: Sophia Brooks