Trump Nominates White House Aide to Lead Office Investigating Letitia James in High-Profile Power Shift
In a move that has raised concerns about the politicization of the justice system, President Donald Trump nominated White House aide Lindsey Halligan as the top federal prosecutor for the Eastern District of Virginia on September 21, 2025. According to an Associated Press report, Trump made the announcement via social media while departing the White House for an event at Mount Vernon.
Halligan's nomination marks a significant power shift in the office, which has been under pressure to pursue cases against Trump's political opponents. The Eastern District of Virginia is currently embroiled in controversy over its handling of a mortgage fraud investigation involving New York Attorney General Letitia James. This development raises questions about the impact on ongoing investigations, including the probe into James' office.
According to NPR News, Halligan has been a senior White House aide and has spoken publicly about her role as a special assistant to the president. Her nomination is seen as a move by Trump to install one of his loyal defenders at the helm of an office that has been under scrutiny for its handling of high-profile cases.
The nomination has sparked concerns among experts and lawmakers, who worry about the potential politicization of the justice system. "This is a clear attempt by President Trump to exert control over the Department of Justice," said Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) in a statement. "We must ensure that our law enforcement agencies remain independent and free from political interference."
The Eastern District of Virginia has been at the center of controversy in recent months, with its U.S. attorney being pushed out in August 2025. The office is currently investigating several high-profile cases, including the mortgage fraud investigation involving Letitia James' office.
According to an NPR News report, Halligan's nomination marks a significant shift in power within the office. "This is a major change in leadership and raises questions about the direction of the office," said one source close to the matter. "It's unclear what impact this will have on ongoing investigations, but it's clear that Trump is trying to exert control over the Department of Justice."
The nomination has also raised concerns among civil rights groups, who worry about the potential impact on ongoing investigations into Trump's administration. "This is a clear attempt by President Trump to undermine the rule of law and protect his own interests," said a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union.
As the nomination moves forward, lawmakers and experts will be closely watching to see how this development impacts the justice system. The Senate must confirm Halligan's nomination before she can take office as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Background
The Eastern District of Virginia has been at the center of controversy in recent months, with its U.S. attorney being pushed out in August 2025. The office is currently investigating several high-profile cases, including the mortgage fraud investigation involving Letitia James' office.
According to an NPR News report, Halligan's nomination marks a significant shift in power within the office. "This is a major change in leadership and raises questions about the direction of the office," said one source close to the matter. "It's unclear what impact this will have on ongoing investigations, but it's clear that Trump is trying to exert control over the Department of Justice."
Next Steps
The nomination must now be confirmed by the Senate before Halligan can take office as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. Lawmakers and experts will be closely watching to see how this development impacts the justice system.
Sources:
Associated Press, "Trump nominates White House aide to be top US prosecutor for office probing Letitia James"
NPR News, "DEVELOPING: Trump Nominates White House Aide to Lead Office Investigating Letitia James in High-Profile Power Shift"
This story was compiled from reports by NPR News and BREAKING: NPR News.
