The Justice Department defends a US Attorney’s official status. They filed a new response to a judicial challenge. This follows a rare and unprompted court order. The order questioned Lindsey Halligan’s authority directly. Halligan is the US Attorney for Eastern Virginia. The department calls the judicial inquiry a gross abuse. They firmly assert a contested legal position.
Previously, a judge dismissed two high-profile criminal cases. Those cases targeted former FBI Director James Comey. They also targeted New York Attorney General Letitia James. The judge ruled Halligan was improperly appointed. Therefore, the indictments she brought were invalid. A different judge then cited that ruling last week. He demanded Halligan explain her continued representation. He suggested possible disciplinary action against her.
However, the Justice Department response vehemently disagrees. Attorney General Pam Bondi helped lead the filing. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche also signed it. Lindsey Halligan herself joined the legal document. Therefore, they argue the court’s threat affronts separation of powers. The department maintains a contested legal position. They state internal guidance supports Halligan’s identification.
Furthermore, they argue one judge’s opinion is not binding. The department is actively appealing the prior dismissal. Also, Halligan can still lead the office on other matters. A single district judge cannot dictate executive branch positions. The filing calls the court’s chronology factually mistaken. This error undermines the premise of misconduct allegations.
Consequently, the department refuses to change its signature block. Halligan remains the appointed US Attorney officially. Moreover, Senior Trump officials blast the judges for bias. They accuse the judiciary of a campaign of hostility. Halligan continues prosecuting various criminal cases currently. These include immigration and child exploitation matters.
Ultimately, this conflict highlights a significant power struggle. The executive and judicial branches fiercely disagree. Furthermore, the dispute centers on a presidential appointment’s validity. The Justice Department firmly holds its contested legal position. This stance allows Halligan to continue her work. The legal appeals process will likely continue for months.
