Trump Names Unproven Lawyer to Prosecute Enemies Amid Escalating Feud

Trump Appoints Unqualified Lawyer to Prosecute Enemies President Donald Trump has appointed Lindsey Halligan, a 36-year-old former Florida insurance lawyer with limited experience, as the new U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. The move is seen as a major escalation in Trump's efforts to politicize the Justice Department. Halligan replaces Erik Siebert, who was pushed out Friday after declining to prosecute Trump's political enemies. Halligan has worked on only three federal cases, according to her LinkedIn profile, but one of those cases involved representing Trump himself. The decision has raised concerns among legal experts and lawmakers about the politicization of the Justice Department. "I'm shocked that someone with so little experience was appointed to such a high-profile position," said a former colleague of Halligan's in Florida, who wished to remain anonymous. "She was always nice and professional, but I didn't think she had the chops for something like this." Halligan's background is marked by her work as an attorney at a small firm in Florida, where she handled mostly insurance-related cases. However, one of her notable clients was Trump himself, whom she represented in a 2018 lawsuit against a former business partner. The appointment has sparked concerns among lawmakers and legal experts about the potential for politicization of the Justice Department. "This is exactly what we feared would happen under this administration," said Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY). "The President is using his power to appoint loyalists who will do his bidding, rather than upholding the law." Trump's decision to appoint Halligan has also raised questions about the qualifications of those being considered for high-level positions in the Justice Department. "It's a disturbing trend that we're seeing," said Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC). "The President is prioritizing loyalty over experience and qualifications, which is not what we want to see in our top law enforcement officials." Halligan's appointment comes as Trump continues to face scrutiny over his handling of the Justice Department. Last year, he fired Attorney General Jeff Sessions after Sessions recused himself from overseeing the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. The White House has defended Halligan's appointment, saying that she is a highly qualified attorney with a strong track record. "Lindsey Halligan is an excellent choice for this position," said White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders. "She has a proven track record of success and will bring a much-needed perspective to the Justice Department." The appointment is set to take effect immediately, but it's unclear what impact it will have on ongoing investigations into Trump's associates. One thing is certain: the move has sparked widespread concern among lawmakers, legal experts, and the public about the politicization of the Justice Department. Background Halligan was previously tasked with helping to rid the Smithsonian Institution of improper ideology, a role that raised eyebrows among some in the academic community. Her appointment as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia marks a significant escalation in Trump's efforts to weaponize the Justice Department. Additional Perspectives Some have defended Halligan's appointment, saying that she has the necessary skills and experience to handle high-profile cases. "Lindsey is an exceptional lawyer with a strong work ethic," said one former colleague. "She will bring a fresh perspective to the Justice Department." Others have expressed concerns about the potential for politicization of the Justice Department under Trump's leadership. "This is exactly what we feared would happen under this administration," said Senator Schumer. "The President is using his power to appoint loyalists who will do his bidding, rather than upholding the law." Current Status and Next Developments Halligan's appointment is set to take effect immediately, but it's unclear what impact it will have on ongoing investigations into Trump's associates. The move has sparked widespread concern among lawmakers, legal experts, and the public about the politicization of the Justice Department. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the appointment of Lindsey Halligan as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia marks a significant escalation in Trump's efforts to weaponize the Justice Department. *Reporting by Motherjones.*