Pam Bondi Defends Removal Of Trump-Appointed Interim U.S. Attorney After Court Rules Appointment Unlawful

Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a public defense of the decision to remove Lindsey Halligan from her brief tenure as interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia after courts ruled the appointment unlawful.

Attorney General Pam Bondi's X post to announce the exit of Lindsey Halligan. / X

Two months ago a judge concluded that Halligan, 36, who previously worked as an insurance lawyer, a White House aide and as one of former President Donald Trump’s personal lawyers, had been serving unlawfully. Her 120-day interim appointment began in September and concluded this week.

Lindsey Halligan (L) and Karoline Leavitt (C) attend the Men's Singles Final on Day 15 of the 2025 US Open Tennis Championships at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 07, 2025 in Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York City. / XNY/Star Max / GC Images

Court Orders End Halligan’s Tenure

Chief U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck, an Obama appointee, ordered the U.S. attorney position publicly advertised on Tuesday, saying the court was "soliciting expressions of interest." Shortly afterward, Trump-appointed Judge David Novak issued an order directing Halligan to stop identifying herself as the U.S. attorney or face possible disciplinary action.

Attorney General Pam Bondi attends a ceremony with President Donald Trump and the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League, winners of the 2025 Stanley Cup, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC on January 15, 2026. / MANDEL NGAN / AFP via Getty Images

"No matter all of her machinations, Ms. Halligan has no legal basis to represent to this Court that she holds the position," Novak wrote. "In short, this charade of Ms. Halligan masquerading as the United States Attorney for this District in direct defiance of binding court orders must come to an end."

Bondi’s Response

Bondi, 60, posted a lengthy message on social media confirming Halligan’s departure and criticizing Senate Democrats for using the blue-slip tradition to block any extension beyond the legally defined appointment period. Bondi said Halligan had "worked tirelessly" and argued that the blue-slip process—an informal Senate practice allowing home-state senators to register approval or objection to certain federal nominees—made it "impossible" for Halligan to remain past the 120-day term.

Bondi also said the Department of Justice faced "multiple, unnecessary legal obstacles" and warned that the DOJ "will continue to seek review of decisions like this that hinder our ability to keep the American people safe." She suggested Halligan could continue to serve in other roles aligned with the administration’s goals.

Indictments Dismissed; Experience Questioned

During her short tenure, Halligan sought to bring criminal charges against former FBI Director James B. Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. In November, Judge Cameron Currie, a Clinton appointee, dismissed those indictments on the grounds that Halligan had been unlawfully serving as interim U.S. attorney. Novak also noted Halligan’s lack of prosecutorial experience but said the court would give her "the benefit of the doubt" and would not, at this time, refer her for further disciplinary investigation over alleged misrepresentations to the court.

The Daily Beast has contacted the Department of Justice for comment.