DOJ Fires Interim U.S. Attorney Hours After Appointment

James Hundley's appointment to lead the Eastern District of Virginia was swiftly rescinded by the Deputy Attorney General.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Department of Justice fired longtime litigator James Hundley from his appointment to interim U.S. Attorney of the Eastern District of Virginia, just hours after federal judges unanimously appointed him to the position. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced Hundley's dismissal on social media, stating that the President, not the judges, selects U.S. Attorneys.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the Justice Department and the federal judiciary over the appointment of U.S. Attorneys. It also raises questions about the Trump administration's influence on the DOJ and its willingness to override judicial appointments, even in cases where a previous Trump loyalist was found to be serving unlawfully.

The details

Chief U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck signed off on Hundley's appointment on Friday evening and administered the oath of office in Richmond, Virginia. However, just hours later, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced on social media that Hundley had been fired, stating that the President, not the judges, selects U.S. Attorneys.

  • On Friday evening, February 21, 2026, Chief U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck appointed James Hundley as interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.
  • Just hours after Hundley's appointment, on February 21, 2026, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced on social media that Hundley had been fired.

The players

James Hundley

A longtime Virginia litigator who was appointed as interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia by federal judges, only to be fired just hours later by the Deputy Attorney General.

Todd Blanche

The Deputy Attorney General who announced on social media that Hundley had been fired, stating that the President, not the judges, selects U.S. Attorneys.

M. Hannah Lauck

The Chief U.S. District Judge who signed off on Hundley's appointment as interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia and administered the oath of office.

Lindsey Halligan

The former Trump loyalist who previously served as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, but was found to be holding the role unlawfully.

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What they’re saying

“Here we go again. EDVA judges do not pick our US Attorney. POTUS does. James Hundley, you're fired!”

— Todd Blanche, Deputy Attorney General (X)

What’s next

It is unclear what the next steps will be in the appointment of a new U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, as the Justice Department has demonstrated a willingness to override judicial appointments in this case.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing power struggle between the Justice Department and the federal judiciary over the appointment of U.S. Attorneys, and raises concerns about the Trump administration's influence on the DOJ and its disregard for judicial authority in these matters.