Robert McBride, the top career prosecutor and first assistant in the Eastern District of Virginia, was dismissed after serving only weeks under Lindsey Halligan. The Justice Department backed the removal amid ongoing legal disputes over Halligan’s authority following indictments of James Comey and Letitia James. Judges and grand juries have imposed limits on the office’s efforts in those cases, and internal disagreement over leadership and case priorities has contributed to turmoil in the Alexandria office.
Justice Department Removes Top Career Prosecutor in EDVA Amid Leadership Dispute
The US flag flutters outside of the Department of Justice building in Washington, DC, on November 28, 2025. - Nathan Howard/Reuters
The Justice Department has fired Robert McBride, the top career prosecutor and first assistant in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA), people familiar with the matter said Monday. McBride had served only a few weeks as the No. 2 official under Lindsey Halligan, the Trump administration appointee whose authority to lead the office has been repeatedly challenged in court.
What Happened
DOJ leadership in Washington supported McBride’s removal, leaving the Alexandria office without its senior career manager to oversee day-to-day operations, investigations and prosecutions. McBride had assumed several leadership duties shortly after arriving, including meetings with EDVA judges — a routine responsibility for senior U.S. Attorney’s Office officials.
Background And Legal Fallout
Halligan was sent to lead the office in late September by Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Trump administration, and McBride moved into the first assistant role soon after. The office has been in turmoil for months after the administration’s original nominee was forced out and several experienced prosecutors departed.
Halligan’s indictments of former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James triggered significant courtroom challenges. Judges have repeatedly questioned — and at times curtailed — Halligan’s authority to supervise the office. Those disputes prompted the Justice Department to file court submissions recently that listed Halligan, McBride and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche as potential leaders for matters in EDVA.
Case Developments And Internal Concerns
A judge in Washington, D.C., largely blocked the office’s attempt to revive the case against Comey, and grand juries in the district twice declined to re-indict James on mortgage fraud allegations. People familiar with McBride’s departure say there is lingering uncertainty inside the office about whether he aligned with Halligan on next steps for those high-profile matters. Several line prosecutors working on politically sensitive investigations have left the office in recent months.
Separately, some political appointees expressed frustration with McBride, according to a person familiar with the situation. Complaints reportedly included limited coordination with other law enforcement entities and a perceived lack of emphasis on immigration-related prosecutions.
Sources And Status
CNN is seeking comment from McBride. The removal was first reported by MS NOW. The story has been updated with additional details.
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