The Controversial Rise and Fall of Lindsey Halligan
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The Unlawful Appointment
Lindsey Halligan, a 36-year-old lawyer, found herself at the center of a legal storm after a federal judge dismissed cases she oversaw against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
The judge ruled that Halligan's appointment as acting U. S. attorney was unlawful, as it violated a federal statute limiting interim appointments to 120 days.
A Rapid Rise to Power
Halligan's journey to this role was quick. She started in insurance law, then joined Trump's legal team in 2022. After Trump's re-election, she became a White House aide. In September 2025, she was appointed as acting U. S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, replacing Erik Siebert, who resigned under pressure.
A Short-Lived Tenure
But her time in this role was short-lived. Judge Cameron McGowan Currie found that Halligan's appointment was illegal because Siebert had already served more than 120 days as acting U. S. attorney. This meant Halligan had no authority to prosecute Comey and James.
The judge's ruling was clear:
"All actions flowing from Ms. Halligan's defective appointment... are hereby set aside."
This left the Justice Department with the option to appeal, which they plan to do.
A Controversial Background
Halligan's background includes working as an insurance attorney and defending Trump in various legal battles. She also led a controversial review of Smithsonian museums, which critics saw as executive overreach.
Criticism and Defense
Legal experts have criticized Halligan's handling of the cases against Comey and James. They point to rushed indictments and procedural errors, such as not presenting the final indictment to the full grand jury. These mistakes raised questions about her competence and the integrity of the investigations.
Despite the setbacks, Halligan has defended her actions. She argued that she was doing her job and that the cases were valid. However, the judge's ruling suggests otherwise.
