Trump Administration Fires US Attorney Appointed by Judges in Virginia

The Eastern District of Virginia saw a swift and unusual turn of events this weekend as James W. Hundley was appointed, then immediately fired from the position of interim U.S. Attorney. Hundley, a veteran defense lawyer, was chosen by the federal bench on Friday to replace Lindsey Halligan, who resigned last month after a judge ruled her appointment unlawful.

A Contentious Succession

Just two hours after his appointment, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche fired Hundley via a social media post. This action mirrors a similar situation earlier this month, where Blanche dismissed Donald T. Kinsella shortly after his appointment as interim U.S. Attorney in Albany, New York. Blanche’s posts, echoing language previously used by the president, stated plainly that federal judges do not select U.S. Attorneys – the president does.

Did You Know? James W. Hundley’s father, William Hundley, was a prominent lawyer known for representing Attorney General John N. Mitchell during the Watergate trial.

Legal Authority and Presidential Pushback

While Blanche’s actions assert presidential authority, the law does allow federal judges to appoint interim U.S. Attorneys under specific circumstances. Recent rulings have found that several U.S. Attorneys appointed by the previous administration were installed improperly. This latest move by Blanche appears to be a direct challenge to the authority of the judiciary.

The dismissal of Hundley follows a pattern of the administration clashing with the courts, with accusations of violating judicial orders in states like New Jersey and Minnesota, particularly concerning deportation policies. Earlier on Friday, the president publicly criticized members of the Supreme Court for rejecting his efforts to impose tariffs.

Expert Insight: The repeated firings of court-appointed interim U.S. Attorneys demonstrate a clear intent to centralize control over prosecutorial decisions within the executive branch, potentially signaling a broader effort to influence legal proceedings and investigations.

Background of the Appointments

Hundley was selected to replace Lindsey Halligan, a former defense lawyer for the president, who took charge of the Eastern District of Virginia after the departure of Erik S. Siebert. Siebert’s removal stemmed from his refusal to pursue charges against James B. Comey and Letitia James. Halligan subsequently indicted both Comey and James, but those cases were dismissed after a judge determined her appointment was unlawful. The Justice Department is currently appealing those dismissals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the appointment of James W. Hundley?

James W. Hundley was appointed by the federal bench in the Eastern District of Virginia to replace Lindsey Halligan, who had resigned after a judge ruled her appointment unlawful.

How did Todd Blanche respond to Hundley’s appointment?

Todd Blanche, the Deputy Attorney General, fired James W. Hundley via a social media post just two hours after his appointment, stating that the president, not the judges, selects U.S. Attorneys.

What was Lindsey Halligan’s role before her resignation?

Lindsey Halligan was the interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia and had previously indicted James B. Comey and Letitia James, cases that were later dismissed due to questions about her appointment.

As the Justice Department continues to navigate these legal challenges, will this pattern of executive intervention in judicial appointments continue to escalate?