Trump says he axed US attorney investigating NY AG Tish James: ‘He didn’t quit, I fired him!’

RU-RTR Russian Television via AP

Published September 20, 2025

A significant development unfolded within the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) as Erik Siebert, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, resigned under pressure after his office declined to pursue charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James. Siebert had been overseeing an investigation into alleged mortgage fraud involving James, who is a prominent critic of former President Donald Trump.

President Trump publicly announced on Truth Social that he had fired Siebert, stating, “He didn’t quit, I fired him!” Trump criticized Siebert for receiving support from Democratic Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner of Virginia, labeling it as a sign of untrustworthiness. The investigation into James centered on allegations that she had falsified records to obtain favorable loans on two properties, but James has dismissed these allegations as politically motivated retaliation for her civil fraud case against Trump and his company.

Following Siebert’s resignation, Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed Mary “Maggie” Cleary, a Virginia prosecutor and law lecturer, as the interim U.S. Attorney. Cleary described her appointment as “unexpected” and expressed her commitment to the DOJ mission. Additionally, President Trump nominated Lindsey Halligan, a senior White House aide and long-time legal defender of Trump, to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. Halligan had played key roles in legal efforts related to the Mar-a-Lago classified document case.

This series of events has raised concerns about the politicization of the DOJ, with critics viewing the investigations as driven more by political revenge than substantiated legal grounds. The pressure on DOJ officials to target political opponents, including James, former FBI Director James Comey, and Senator Adam Schiff, has intensified concerns about the erosion of Justice Department independence.

 Implications

The resignation and firing of U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert in the Letitia James investigation carries several serious implications for the DOJ, the rule of law, and U.S. politics:

1. Perceived Politicization of the DOJ

• The fact that Siebert stepped down—or was fired—after declining to pursue charges against James raises concerns that DOJ decisions are being influenced by political considerations rather than evidence.

• Critics may argue this undermines the independence of the Justice Department, which is supposed to operate free of partisan pressure.

2. Precedent for Pressuring Federal Prosecutors

• Siebert’s replacement by a Trump-aligned figure (Lindsey Halligan) signals a potential pattern where DOJ officials could face consequences for not targeting political opponents.

• This could intimidate career prosecutors from making impartial decisions in politically sensitive cases.

3. Erosion of Public Trust

• When high-profile investigations are perceived as “political,” public confidence in federal law enforcement may decline.

• Citizens might question whether charges are based on merit or political alignment, feeding cynicism about the legal system.

4. Impact on Letitia James and Other Targets

• James, a key political opponent, may face increased legal scrutiny, regardless of evidence strength, which could appear retaliatory.

• Other figures—like former FBI Director James Comey or Senator Adam Schiff—may perceive themselves as targets of politically motivated investigations.

5. Broader Political Consequences

• This event could deepen partisan divides, as supporters of Trump see it as “holding opponents accountable,” while critics view it as weaponizing federal power.

• It may influence future DOJ appointments and legal strategies in politically sensitive cases.

6. International and Institutional Perception

• Globally, the U.S. DOJ is often seen as a benchmark of rule-of-law independence.

• Moves like this could damage that reputation, suggesting prosecutorial decisions might be swayed by politics, not legal standards.

 Overall Takeaway:

The resignation—or firing—of U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert over the investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James underscores the growing tensions between political influence and legal independence within the Department of Justice. The episode highlights the potential risks when prosecutorial decisions intersect with partisan politics, raising questions about the impartiality of federal investigations and the integrity of the justice system.

With Siebert replaced by Trump-aligned figures, critics argue that the DOJ’s independence may be compromised, while supporters frame it as accountability for perceived inaction. Beyond the immediate case, this development could set a precedent affecting future prosecutions, public trust in law enforcement, and the global perception of U.S. institutions. Ultimately, the event serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between law, politics, and public confidence in the rule of law.

SOURCES: REDSTATE – Top DOJ Prosecutor Investigating Letitia James Quits—or Was He Fired?

THE NEW YORK POST – Trump says he axed US attorney investigating NY AG Tish James: ‘He didn’t quit, I fired him!’