Federal Prosecutor Resigns Amid Trump Pressure Over Letitia James Investigation

The Trump administration’s push for investigations into political adversaries has sparked controversy, leading to the resignation of a top federal prosecutor. Erik S. Siebert, the acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, stepped down on Friday after President Donald Trump publicly called for his removal. Siebert was tasked with investigating mortgage fraud allegations against New York Attorney General Letitia James, a vocal critic of Trump. This article explores the events leading to Siebert’s resignation, the reasons behind the conflict, and its broader implications in simple, easy-to-understand language.

Who Is Erik S. Siebert?

Erik S. Siebert was the interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, a prestigious office that handles major national security and criminal cases. He began serving in this role in January 2025, after being nominated by President Trump. Siebert has worked in the Eastern District since 2010, handling cases involving violent crime, public corruption, and drug trafficking. Before becoming a prosecutor, he served as a police officer in Washington, D.C.

1. Siebert’s Role: As U.S. Attorney, Siebert led a team of about 300 prosecutors across four divisions in Virginia, overseeing significant cases related to national security, terrorism, and organized crime.
2. Resignation Announcement: On Friday, Siebert sent an email to colleagues, obtained by NBC News, stating, “This evening, I submitted my resignation as Interim US Attorney for EDVA. For the last eight months, I have had the pleasure of leading the finest and most exceptional of DOJ employees, who care deeply about our nation and our EDVA community.”

Why Did Siebert Resign?

Siebert’s resignation came after intense pressure from the Trump administration to pursue mortgage fraud charges against Letitia James, New York’s Attorney General. James has been a prominent critic of Trump, having led a civil fraud case against him that resulted in a $500 million penalty, which was later dismissed by a New York appeals court in 2025.

1. Trump’s Public Demand: On Friday, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, “I want him out,” when asked if he wanted Siebert fired. Trump criticized Siebert’s nomination because it was supported by Virginia’s Democratic Senators, Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, whom he called “bad senators” who “do a terrible job for the people of Virginia.”
2. Investigation Stalls: Federal agents and prosecutors told NBC News that the investigation into James stalled because there wasn’t enough evidence to secure a conviction. Despite pressure from Trump administration officials, Siebert refused to bring charges without sufficient proof.
3. Ethical Concerns: Senators Kaine and Warner praised Siebert as an “ethical prosecutor” who refused to target Trump’s political enemies without evidence. They criticized Trump for “pushing out” Siebert, arguing that the Eastern District of Virginia should focus on justice, not “a thin-skinned president’s vendettas.”

What Was the Investigation About?

The Trump administration accused Letitia James of mortgage fraud related to her 2023 purchase of a home in Virginia. The allegations, referred to the Justice Department by Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte, a Trump appointee, claimed James may have falsified records to get better loan terms. However, investigators found no clear evidence that James knowingly committed fraud.

1. Details of Allegations: A housing and finance banker told Fox News that James was under scrutiny for allegedly declaring an investment property as her primary or secondary residence, which could lead to better loan terms. However, ABC News reported that a key document—a power of attorney form signed by James’ niece—was not considered by loan officers, weakening the case.
2. James’ Defense: James has denied any wrongdoing. Her attorney, Abbe Lowell, called the pressure on Siebert a “brazen attack on the rule of law,” arguing that Trump’s pattern of firing prosecutors who don’t follow his orders is illegal.

Broader Context: Targeting Political Foes

This isn’t the first time the Trump administration has investigated perceived political adversaries for mortgage fraud. Similar claims have been made against Federal Reserve board member Lisa Cook, also referred by Bill Pulte. Trump has used these allegations to call for Cook’s firing, though she has denied the claims and remains in her position.

1. Pattern of Investigations: Critics, including James’ attorney, argue that Trump is using the Justice Department to target opponents. The investigation into James follows a pattern, with other figures like former FBI Director James Comey and Senator Adam Schiff also facing scrutiny.
2. Political Retribution Concerns: The push to oust Siebert raises concerns about the independence of the Justice Department. Federal courts and DOJ policies emphasize that prosecutions should be based on evidence, not political motives. Siebert’s removal suggests a shift toward using the justice system for retribution, according to critics.

What Happens Next?

Siebert’s resignation leaves the Eastern District of Virginia without a confirmed U.S. Attorney, and his deputy, Maya Song, is also stepping down to work as a line prosecutor. The Trump administration may appoint a new prosecutor who is more willing to pursue charges against James or other adversaries.

1. Impact on the Justice Department: The resignation could disrupt the Eastern District’s work, which handles critical national security cases. DOJ officials told ABC News that career prosecutors are alarmed about the office’s future, with some fearing mass resignations.
2. Legal Challenges: James and other targeted officials may challenge these investigations in court, arguing they violate the principle of impartial justice. Past attempts by the Trump administration to influence prosecutions have faced legal pushback.
3. Political Fallout: The controversy could fuel debates about the politicization of the Justice Department. Senators Kaine and Warner have already called out Trump’s actions, and public protests against similar moves have occurred in cities like New York and Chicago.

Why This Matters

Siebert’s resignation highlights a larger struggle between federal power and prosecutorial independence. The Eastern District of Virginia is a key player in national security and criminal justice, and disruptions in its leadership could have far-reaching effects. For communities, this conflict raises questions about fairness, trust in institutions, and the balance between politics and the rule of law.

1. Community Impact: Residents of Virginia and beyond may worry about how political pressure on prosecutors affects justice in their communities, especially in cases unrelated to immigration or fraud.
2. Trust in Institutions: When prosecutors face pressure to target specific individuals, it can erode public confidence in the fairness of the legal system.
3. National Debate: This incident adds to ongoing discussions about how much influence a president should have over the Justice Department and whether investigations should be driven by evidence or political goals.

Looking Ahead

The resignation of Erik S. Siebert marks a significant moment in the Trump administration’s efforts to confront its critics through legal means. As the administration seeks a new U.S. Attorney and possibly escalates investigations into figures like Letitia James, the nation will be watching to see how this affects the Justice Department’s independence and the rule of law. For now, the clash between Trump’s agenda and the principles of impartial justice remains a heated issue.