Siebert, who had been overseeing several politically sensitive cases, including an investigation into whether former FBI Director James Comey lied in congressional testimony, reportedly resisted efforts by the White House to fast-track charges against James. The inquiry into James, focused on alleged mortgage fraud, had been ongoing for five months but investigators had not determined there was enough evidence to justify an indictment.

Halligan’s installation in the role marks another Trump loyalist and former personal attorney stepping into a position of considerable legal authority. Though she has no experience as a prosecutor, Halligan was one of Trump’s attorneys during the investigation into classified documents stored at Mar-a-Lago, where she gained the president’s trust and admiration. Trump praised her appointment in a social media post, calling her “extremely intelligent, fearless” and highlighting her past legal work as a victory in what he described as the “Democrat Documents Hoax.”

Before Halligan was formally sworn in, the White House temporarily placed conservative lawyer Mary “Maggie” Cleary in charge of the office. Cleary, who has publicly denied allegations of being present at the Capitol on January 6, held the position over the weekend to ensure continuity until Halligan assumed the role.

Halligan’s rise comes as the Eastern District of Virginia continues to handle high-profile investigations that the president has directly pressed for action on. The appointment underscores Trump’s push to place trusted allies in influential legal posts, reinforcing his administration’s broader efforts to reshape federal institutions according to his agenda.
Beyond her legal work for Trump, Halligan has also aligned herself with the president’s cultural agenda. Earlier this year, Trump tasked her with scrutinizing what the White House labeled “woke” content at the Smithsonian Institution. Halligan echoed his criticisms in a Fox News interview, claiming that the museums place an “overemphasis on slavery” and arguing that national history should be presented in a way that leaves Americans feeling “proud” rather than divided.

With Halligan now leading the Eastern District of Virginia, one of the most prominent federal prosecutor’s offices in the country, the appointment signals Trump’s determination to maintain loyalty within the justice system while advancing investigations into his political opponents.