Former Trump-Appointed Prosecutor Faces Florida Bar Investigation

Lindsey Halligan's brief tenure as acting U.S. attorney in Virginia led to dismissed cases and allegations of misconduct.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Lindsey Halligan, a former White House aide for President Donald Trump who served briefly as the acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, is facing an investigation by the Florida Bar. The investigation centers on Halligan's turbulent time as a top federal prosecutor, during which she pursued cases against Trump's political opponents but ultimately had those cases dismissed due to issues with her appointment and conduct.

Why it matters

Halligan's case highlights concerns about political influence in the Justice Department and the importance of maintaining the integrity and independence of federal prosecutors. The investigation also raises questions about the vetting and qualifications of political appointees to high-level law enforcement positions.

The details

As acting U.S. attorney, Halligan secured indictments against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, but ran into issues with the legal process. Judges scolded Halligan for "fundamental misstatements of the law" and ultimately dismissed both cases, concluding that Halligan's appointment had been unlawful. The bar complaint alleges that Halligan may have violated rules of professional conduct by continuing to hold herself out as acting U.S. attorney after a judge had ruled her appointment was illegal.

  • Halligan was installed as acting U.S. attorney in September.
  • In November, a judge scolded Halligan for "fundamental misstatements of the law".
  • In January, Halligan left the position after the judges dismissed the cases against Comey and James.

The players

Lindsey Halligan

A former White House aide for President Donald Trump who served briefly as the acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.

James Comey

The former FBI director who was the target of one of the prosecutions brought by Halligan.

Letitia James

The New York Attorney General who was the target of another prosecution brought by Halligan.

Erik Siebert

Halligan's predecessor as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, who was effectively forced out by the Trump administration.

Campaign for Accountability

A nonprofit watchdog that had sought the bar inquiry into Halligan's conduct.

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What’s next

The Florida Bar will continue its investigation into Halligan's conduct during her time as acting U.S. attorney.

The takeaway

Halligan's case highlights the importance of maintaining the independence and integrity of the Justice Department, and the need for thorough vetting of political appointees to high-level law enforcement positions.