In U.S. Attorney Standoff, Judge Denounces ‘Charade’ by Lindsey Halligan
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- A federal judge in eastern Virginia sharply criticized President Trump's chosen prosecutor, Lindsey Halligan, accusing her of a "charade" by continuing to claim the title of U.S. attorney despite an earlier ruling that her appointment was unlawful.
- The Eastern District of Virginia judges publicly called for new applicants to fill the U.S. attorney position after Halligan's disputed tenure.
- Judge David J. Novak, himself a Trump appointee, warned Halligan that persisting in filing court documents identifying herself as U.S. attorney would constitute a false statement in defiance of valid court orders.
- The standoff highlights ongoing tensions between the Trump administration's appointments and federal court rulings regarding lawful appointments within the Justice Department.
