A federal judge in Virginia has ordered the Trump administration to explain why Lindsey Halligan, a private citizen, continues to identify herself as “United States Attorney” on criminal filings.
U.S. District Judge David J. Novak noted that a prior ruling found Halligan’s appointment as interim U.S. attorney unlawful and unconstitutional, a decision that voided high-profile indictments and remains binding despite a DOJ appeal.
Novak raised the issue sua sponte after seeing Halligan’s name and title on a new indictment. He has given her seven days to justify the designation, explain why it is not false or misleading, and show why her name should not be stricken.