DOJ Dismisses Newly Appointed U.S. Attorney Just Hours After Judges' Selection
In a swift move, the Department of Justice dismissed James Hundley from his role as interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia mere hours after federal judges appointed him to the position. This decision came as a surprise following Chief U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck's formal approval and oath administration in Richmond, Virginia, on Friday evening.
Shortly after the appointment, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche took to social media platform X to announce Hundley's termination. “Here we go again. EDVA judges do not pick our US Attorney. POTUS does. James Hundley, you’re fired!” he stated, underscoring the administration's authority over such appointments.
In response to his abrupt dismissal, Hundley expressed his commitment to the justice system, stating, "Despite my dismissal by the President, I will continue to support our country and its justice system in any way I can." He further remarked on the honor of being appointed by the Court, emphasizing his long-standing respect for both the Court and the United States Attorney’s Office.
Hundley’s appointment followed the exit of Lindsey Halligan, a Trump loyalist who vacated her position in late January after a federal judge ruled her appointment unlawful. Halligan, lacking prosecutorial experience, had previously led unsuccessful legal battles against figures like New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey.
Federal law permits judges to appoint a U.S. attorney if a presidential nominee remains unconfirmed within 120 days of their nomination. This situation is not unprecedented; the Justice Department has previously dismissed U.S. attorneys appointed by federal judges.
In July, Attorney General Pam Bondi terminated Desiree Leigh Grace shortly after her appointment as U.S. attorney for New Jersey. Grace was set to take over from Alina Habba, an interim U.S. attorney with ties to Trump.
Just last week, Donald Kinsella faced a similar fate when he was removed by the Justice Department on the same day he was appointed by federal judges to serve as U.S. attorney for the Northern District of New York. Kinsella revealed that he received an email from the White House indicating that “the president directed that I be removed.”
Both instances involved federal judges appointing U.S. attorneys following rulings that interim appointees from Trump were serving unlawfully. With over 30 years of experience in complex criminal and civil litigation, Hundley has represented clients across Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland. His legal acumen includes successful arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court and a council member role at large for the Virginia State Bar, appointed by the Virginia Supreme Court.
