Trump-appointed rookie prosecutor tackles Comey case as DOJ tensions rise

Interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan, 36, for the Eastern District of Virginia, faced a potentially explosive assignment as she moved to convene a grand jury against former FBI Director James Comey on two felony charges tied to his 2020 congressional testimony about leaks. The move came with little visible backing from the Justice Department's leadership, according to people familiar with the matter.

Bondi reportedly did not want to be involved, and administration insiders described tension within the department, telling the Daily Mail that officials doubted Halligan could secure an indictment and noting that the DOJ hoped to avoid a high-profile clash. When Halligan nonetheless prevailed, the same sources said the department wanted to appear as the hero rather than admit uncertainty about the case. Halligan told associates that the FBI had to help bring her up to speed on the Comey matter after Bondi's team did not provide the expected support. The DOJ and White House did not respond to requests for comment.

Comey was indicted Thursday on two felonies connected to statements he made to Congress in 2020 asserting he did not authorize a leak to the media of sensitive FBI information. The indictment represents a high-stakes test for Halligan, who was nominated by President Trump to serve as interim U.S. attorney for the district and was sworn in September 22. Trump publicly praised Halligan after the nomination, casting her as a tough prosecutor who could move quietly on sensitive investigations.

Beyond the Comey case, Halligan’s district is also responsible for investigating New York Attorney General Letitia James over mortgage fraud tied to a 2023 Virginia home purchase, according to the notes. Halligan’s predecessor, Erik Siebert, served from January until his resignation earlier this month amid pressure from the Trump administration to pursue criminal charges against political adversaries. Halligan’s appointment drew some criticism given her lack of prosecutorial experience; she had been a personal attorney for Trump and previously served as a White House aide.

On Truth Social last weekend, Trump urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to install Halligan, saying the Justice Department needed a tough prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia to “get things moving.” The president’s post, along with the ensuing confirmation and swearing-in, signaled a push to place a longtime ally in a key postelection role, even as the broader dynamics between the White House and the DOJ remained a point of interest for observers.

Halligan, who was sworn in for what officials described as a 120-day term, could seek to make the appointment permanent if her performance meets the president’s expectations. Officials and critics alike noted the unusual nature of elevating someone with limited prosecutorial experience to oversee high-profile cases against political figures, a pattern that has drawn scrutiny as the administration assigns mid-level prosecutors to politically charged targets.

The Comey indictment and related cases therefore sit at the intersection of ongoing internal tensions within the Justice Department, the White House’s preference for decisive action against political adversaries, and a broader political environment in which high-stakes investigations are closely watched by both parties. While the precise impact of Halligan’s leadership remains to be seen, the episode underscores how appointment choices can shape the trajectory of politically sensitive prosecutions and the administration’s broader posture toward opponents.

As Halligan continues to navigate this assignment, observers will be watching not only the Comey case but also how the department coordinates with the White House and how the district’s other investigations unfold under a newly appointed interim leader. The 120-day window will test not only Halligan’s handling of legal strategy but also the political optics surrounding prosecutions tied to the current administration’s posture toward its critics.