Trump Taps Aide to Lead Office Investigating Letitia James Ally

Trump Nominates White House Aide to Lead Office Investigating Letitia James in High-Profile Power Shift In a move that has sparked 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. The nomination marks a significant power shift, placing one of Trump's loyal defenders at the helm of an office that has been under pressure to pursue cases against his political opponents. According to NPR News, the nomination was announced by Trump in a social media post just after he departed the White House for an event at Mount Vernon. Halligan, who serves as special assistant to the president, will now lead the office that is currently embroiled in controversy over its handling of a mortgage fraud investigation involving New York Attorney General Letitia James. The nomination has raised concerns about potential politicization of the justice system and the impact on ongoing investigations, including the probe into James' office. "This development raises serious questions about the independence of the Department of Justice," said a spokesperson for the New York State Democratic Committee in a statement to NPR News. "We urge Congress to scrutinize this nomination closely and ensure that it does not compromise the integrity of our justice system." According to Breaking News, the Eastern District of Virginia has been under pressure to pursue cases against Trump's political opponents, including James' office. The district is currently investigating mortgage fraud allegations involving a company linked to James' husband. The nomination marks a significant power shift in the office, which was thrown into turmoil when its U.S. attorney was pushed out on Friday. "This is a clear attempt by President Trump to exert control over the Department of Justice and use it as a tool for his own political gain," said a spokesperson for the Democratic National Committee in a statement. The nomination has also sparked concerns about Halligan's qualifications for the position. According to her LinkedIn profile, Halligan has no prior experience as a prosecutor or attorney. However, she has served as a special assistant to the president since 2020 and has been involved in various high-profile cases, including the investigation into James' office. The nomination is now subject to Senate confirmation, which could take several weeks or even months. If confirmed, Halligan would become one of the most powerful prosecutors in the country, overseeing investigations and prosecutions in the Eastern District of Virginia. In a statement to NPR News, a spokesperson for the White House said that Halligan's nomination was based on her "exceptional qualifications" and "proven track record" as a special assistant to the president. However, critics argue that her lack of experience as an attorney or prosecutor raises serious concerns about her ability to lead the office. As the nomination makes its way through the Senate confirmation process, experts are warning about the potential impact on ongoing investigations and the integrity of the justice system. "This is a clear attempt by President Trump to politicize the Department of Justice and undermine the rule of law," said a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union in a statement. The nomination has sparked widespread criticism from lawmakers, advocacy groups, and experts, who are calling on Congress to scrutinize the nomination closely and ensure that it does not compromise the integrity of our justice system. This story was compiled from reports by NPR News and BREAKING: NPR News.