DOJ attacks judges for criticizing Halligan appointment
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Lindsey Halligan in the Oval Office of the White House on March 31. Photo: Al Drago/Getty Images
Justice Department leadership on Monday accused federal judges of waging a "campaign of bias and hostility" against Lindsey Halligan as the department defies a federal court order that declared she is illegally acting as U.S. attorney.
Why it matters: The confrontation is the latest salvo in what Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has openly called a "war" against judges who rule against the administration.
- Even after a federal court ruled her appointment illegal, Halligan continues to act as U.S. attorney, forcing judges to strike her name from filings.
Driving the news: "This Department of Justice has no tolerance for undemocratic judicial activism," Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Blanche wrote on X.
- "We will continue fighting for public safety in courtrooms across the country, and we will not be deterred by rogue judges who fail to live up to their obligations of impartiality because of their own political views."
Catch up quick: Halligan's appointment was ruled invalid last month by a federal judge, and her cases against former FBI director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James were tossed.
- Bondi vowed to appeal both cases and defended Halligan's credentials.
Zoom out: Federal judges in Virginia lashed out at Halligan continuing to be listed on court documents, multiple outlets reported.
- One judge removed Halligan's name from a court filing, Another one said filing criminal charging papers under her name is "simply not acceptable."
The latest: "Certain district court and magistrate judges in the Eastern District of Virginia are engaging in an unconscionable campaign of bias and hostility against U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan," the statement from Bondi and Blanche said.
- "Lindsey and our attorneys are simply doing their jobs: advocating for the Department of Justice's positions while following guidance from the Office of Legal Counsel."
Go deeper: Bondi vows to appeal dismissal of Comey, James cases
