Lindsey Halligan named interim U.S. attorney for EDVA to oversee Comey and James probes

Lindsey Halligan has been sworn in as interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, taking charge of criminal investigations involving former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Prosecutors are evaluating whether Comey lied to lawmakers during his congressional testimony related to the FBI’s investigation of ties between Russia and Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign. The five-year statute of limitations for bringing a case against Comey would be next Tuesday.

Halligan, 36, a former Miss Colorado USA contestant, is described as a rising MAGA legal figure who impressed President Trump with her television performances and courtroom work. She was sworn in as interim U.S. attorney on Monday, following the removal of Erik Siebert, who led the office and was ousted last week. In that role she will oversee separate criminal probes into Comey and James.

Halligan studied politics and broadcast journalism at Regis University in Denver, earned a law degree from the University of Miami, and began her career in the public defenders’ office in Miami before entering private practice focusing on insurance cases. She joined Trump's orbit in late 2021 after an appearance at a Trump event, and later joined his legal team. She was on the scene in West Palm Beach during the August 2022 FBI search of Mar-a-Lago, describing the agents’ access to reporters and calling attention to what she viewed as a lack of cooperation. On television, she recalled how she stood out with a suit and how Trump spoke to her at the event, contributing to her trajectory toward higher-profile work with the White House and Trump’s legal team.

Halligan's rise continued through 2024 and 2025, as she moved from Florida to Washington to serve as a special assistant and senior associate staff secretary, remaining a focal point for observers watching the administration's handling of politically charged prosecutions.

Trump publicly praised Halligan on Truth Social, urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to appoint her. He wrote that she is 'a really good lawyer' and that Bondi should choose someone who can 'get things moving.' The White House later defended the appointment, with a spokesperson saying Halligan is 'exceptionally qualified' and has a proven track record of success.

Analysts cautioned that Halligan's relatively limited prosecutorial experience could pose challenges as she faces cases under intense political scrutiny. Randall Eliason, a former federal prosecutor and professor at George Washington University, described the development as dangerous given the political dynamics surrounding any charges against the president's allies. 'This is an extremely dangerous development,' he said, adding that the president's emphasis on using the criminal justice system to pursue opponents is evident regardless of any merits. Jason Manning, another former federal prosecutor, noted that Halligan's inexperience could complicate decision-making under pressure.

For now, Halligan remains in the interim post for 120 days, with the administration signaling a preference to make the appointment permanent. Officials say the EDVA office will continue to pursue high-profile matters with political implications, and observers will monitor how the new leadership influences the pace and scope of investigations.