Trump Plans to Fire U.S. Attorney; Investigates Political Rival

Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump is expected to fire Erik Siebert, his handpicked U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, due to a lack of evidence against New York Attorney General Letitia James.

In an exchange with reporters on Friday, Trump stated, “I want him out,” referring to Siebert, who has faced pressure from Trump officials to pursue criminal charges against James. Trump criticized the nomination process, saying Virginia’s Democratic Senators supported Siebert, which made him doubt the appointee’s capabilities.

“When I saw that he got approved by those two men, I said, pull it, because he can’t be any good,” Trump explained. Siebert has held the position since January but declined to indict James after an investigation found no clear evidence of wrongdoing regarding a mortgage fraud claim tied to her home purchase in 2023.

Abbe Lowell, James’ attorney, condemned the anticipated firing, calling it a “brazen attack on the rule of law.” He added that Trump’s pattern of dismissing those who do not comply with his demands is illegal and sends a chilling message to other prosecutors.

Siebert’s dismissal has raised concerns within the prosecutor’s office, which is responsible for many national security cases. Maya Song, the office’s First Assistant U.S. Attorney, is in line to succeed him but may also face dismissal amidst the turmoil.

Trump has continuously labeled James as biased and corrupt, alleging that her actions constitute election interference. Following a civil fraud trial last year, Trump and his family were fined for inflating property values, although an appeals court later overturned the financial penalty.

Despite the investigation initiated by Bill Pulte, allegations of mortgage fraud against James have not been substantiated. Investigators concluded that a document pertaining to her home loan was not considered crucial during the mortgage approval process.

Siebert, who has a background with the Metropolitan Police Department, had been praised by both Virginia senators when he was appointed. As the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, a position that oversees significant cases due to its proximity to the federal government, his removal could have wide-reaching implications.

The White House has yet to comment on Siebert’s job status. Sources indicate that Trump’s actions may escalate what critics call a retribution campaign against his political rivals.