A federal judge ruled Lindsey Halligan cannot serve as Virginia’s U.S. Attorney, calling her appointment unlawful and a threat to the rule of law.

Lindsey Halligan's continued use of the position is a violation of court orders and a threat to the rule of law, according to a federal judge who ruled that she cannot claim the title of U.S. Attorney for Virginia's Eastern District. Two Virginia judges supported the decision, which is based on a November ruling that declared her appointment illegal because she lacked Senate confirmation and prosecutorial experience. Trump ally Halligan had tried to bring charges against prominent people like Letitia James and James Comey, but those cases were dropped. Applications for an interim replacement must be submitted by February 10, 2026, according to the court. Although the court's order is still in force and Halligan is still facing legal challenges regarding her authority, the Justice Department maintains that her appointment was legal.