A federal judge has ordered U.S. District Court Prosecutor Lindsey Halligan to explain her continued use of the title of United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, despite a prior ruling that found her appointment unconstitutional.
The order was issued by U.S. District Court Judge David Novak on Tuesday, giving Halligan seven days to submit a written explanation. In his directive, Judge Novak required Halligan to clarify why she identifies herself as the United States Attorney and why this identification should not be struck from an indictment in the matter, even though U.S. District Court Judge Cameron McGowan Currie ruled her appointment unlawful in November.
Judge Novak emphasized that the November decision remains binding in the Eastern District of Virginia unless overturned. The dispute involves Halligan’s role in high-profile cases, including indictments against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James (D), which were dismissed after her appointment was ruled invalid.
Halligan, who previously served as part of President Donald J. Trump’s legal defense team, has faced scrutiny over her conduct following the November ruling. The U.S. Department of Justice has appealed Judge Currie’s decision, but that appeal remains pending.
