Defense Challenges Trump-Linked Prosecutor Appointment
Adding another layer of intrigue, Fitzgerald announced plans to challenge the appointment of interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan, a former Trump attorney who took over the Eastern District of Virginia shortly after her predecessor resigned. The defense argues Halligan’s appointment was unlawful and politically tainted.
Fitzgerald also plans to raise claims of grand jury abuse and outrageous government conduct. Judge Nachmanoff set a tight schedule, ordering motion filings by November 10 and hearings in late November and December.
Internal DOJ Shake-Up Deepens the Drama
The courtroom tension mirrored turmoil within the U.S. Attorney’s Office, where multiple prosecutors have resigned or been fired since Comey’s indictment — including Comey’s own son-in-law, Troy Edwards Jr.
The case is now led by Lemons and Gabriel J. Diaz, both recently transferred from North Carolina. It was their first appearance before the Virginia court, highlighting how swiftly the Justice Department reshuffled its team.
