Interim U.S. Attorney Named for Eastern District of Virginia
Introduction
Lindsey Halligan has been named the interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, a key office that plays a crucial role in federal prosecutions and investigations. Sworn in by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Halligan is expected to be nominated by President Donald Trump for a full term in office. This move follows the resignation of Zachary Terwilliger, who served as U.S. attorney for the district since 2018.
Key Details
The Eastern District of Virginia is known for its high-profile cases, including the prosecution of 9/11 conspirators and the conviction of former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort. Halligan brings with her extensive experience as a federal prosecutor, having previously served as the Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia. She also worked at the Department of Justice's national security division, handling cases related to terrorism and espionage.
Impact
With her background in national security and experience in federal prosecution, Halligan is well-equipped to handle the complex and sensitive cases that come through the Eastern District of Virginia. Her appointment as interim U.S. attorney is a strong indication of the Trump administration's commitment to maintaining a strong presence in this key office. It also shows the administration's confidence in Halligan's abilities, as she will be responsible for overseeing a wide range of cases that will have
About the People Mentioned
Donald Trump
Donald John Trump, born June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, is an American businessman, media personality, and politician. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in 1968 with a degree in economics. In 1971, he took over his family’s real estate business, renaming it the Trump Organization, through which he expanded into building and managing skyscrapers, hotels, casinos, and golf courses. Trump gained widespread fame as the host of the reality TV show *The Apprentice* from 2004 to 2015, which helped establish his public persona as a successful entrepreneur. Trump entered politics as a Republican and was elected the 45th president of the United States, serving from 2017 to 2021. His presidency was marked by significant policy actions including tax cuts, deregulation, the appointment of three Supreme Court justices, renegotiation of trade agreements (notably replacing NAFTA with the USMCA), and a focus on immigration control including border wall expansion. He withdrew the U.S. from international agreements such as the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran nuclear deal, and engaged in a trade war with China. His administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic was criticized for downplaying the virus’s severity. Trump was impeached twice by the House of Representatives—first in 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction, and again in 2021 for incitement of insurrection—but was acquitted by the Senate both times. After losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, Trump challenged the results, culminating in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. He remains a central figure in American politics, having won the 2024 presidential election and returned as the 47th president in 2025, continuing to promote policies aimed at economic growth, border security, and military strength[1][2][3][4].
About the Organizations Mentioned
Department of Justice
The **United States Department of Justice (DOJ)** is a federal executive department responsible for enforcing federal laws, ensuring public safety, defending the interests of the United States, and upholding civil rights. Established in 1870 to consolidate federal legal affairs under the Attorney General, the DOJ has grown into a vast organization with over 115,000 employees and a budget exceeding $22 billion[1][4][5]. It operates through more than 40 component organizations, including prominent law enforcement agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the U.S. Marshals Service[1][4][5]. The DOJ’s core mission is to uphold the rule of law, keep the nation safe, protect civil rights, and ensure a fair and impartial administration of justice across federal, state, local, tribal, and international levels[2][5]. It investigates and prosecutes federal crimes, including terrorism, drug trafficking, organized crime, financial fraud, and cybercrime. The FBI, as the DOJ’s principal investigative arm, leads in areas such as counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and cybercrime[6]. Additionally, the DOJ manages federal prisons and provides leadership and resources to state and local law enforcement agencies. Historically, the DOJ’s origins trace back to the Judiciary Act of 1789, which created the Attorney General's office. Its establishment as a separate department in 1870 allowed for greater coordination of federal law enforcement and legal representation of the government[2][4]. Over time, the DOJ has played a critical role in landmark civil rights enforcement, combating organized crime, and adapting to modern challenges such as cyber threats and international criminal cooperation[1][5]. Today, headquartered in Washington, D.C., with field offices nationwide and abroad, the DOJ continues to influence national security and justice policy, balancing traditional law enforcement with evolving technological and societal demands.
Eastern District of Virginia
The **Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA)** is a key federal judicial district within the U.S. federal court system, established in 1871 as one of two divisions of Virginia’s original federal judicial district created by the Judiciary Act of 1789. It covers four divisions: Alexandria, Richmond, Norfolk, and Newport News, collectively serving over six million residents across more than 19,000 square miles[4][2]. EDVA functions primarily as a trial-level federal court with jurisdiction over a broad spectrum of federal cases, including civil, criminal, bankruptcy, and specialized matters such as patent, copyright, admiralty, and maritime law. It operates within the legal parameters set by Congress and the Constitution, ensuring a just, timely, and impartial resolution of disputes. Cases decided here can be appealed to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers several states in the region[1][2][3]. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia is the prosecutorial arm responsible for enforcing federal laws in this district. It has a workforce exceeding 300 personnel, including prosecutors and civil litigators, and plays a critical role in prosecuting high-profile criminal cases such as white-collar crimes, public corruption, firearms offenses, and financial fraud. Notably, the Office initiated the Virginia Financial and Securities Fraud Task Force to combat complex economic fraud and has been involved in significant settlements and prosecutions affecting national interests[3][4][7]. EDVA is recognized for its efficient and rigorous legal process, earning the nickname "Rocket Docket" for its swift case handling. Its mission emphasizes protecting individual rights, advancing public safety, fostering respect for the legal system, and maintaining judicial independence. The Court’s divisions are strategically located to serve diverse urban and rural populations, reinforcing its role in upholding the rule of law in a rapidly evolving legal landscape[2][4][6]. Overall, the Eastern District of Virginia stands out as a vital institution ensuring federal justice, with a
