US Attorney General Pam Bondi is taking decisive action in the face of challenges from high-profile figures James Comey and Letitia James. On Monday, Bondi appointed Lindsey Halligan to a new role, a move aimed at reinforcing Halligan’s position amidst legal pressures.
Halligan now bears the title of “special attorney,” a designation that comes with significant authority to oversee legal proceedings in her district. This comes on the heels of a federal criminal case against Comey, who faces serious charges, including false statements and obstruction of a congressional proceeding. Indicted by a grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia in September, Comey’s future hangs in the balance, facing up to five years in prison if convicted.
In a motion filed on Monday, Comey claimed “vindictive prosecution.” His challenge does not stop there; he is also questioning Halligan’s appointment. The former FBI Director cited two other cases in his attempt to disqualify Halligan from her role as Interim US Attorney. Bondi’s swift response was to formally elevate Halligan’s status, thus reinforcing her legitimacy during a turbulent time.
“On September 22, 2025, I exercised the authority vested in the Attorney General by 28 U.S.C. § 546 to designate and appoint Lindsey Halligan as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia,” Bondi wrote in a new order dated October 31. This order not only ratifies Halligan’s employment but also positions her to take charge of Comey’s case directly.
As a special attorney, Halligan can act with considerable autonomy, conducting various legal proceedings, including grand jury matters. Bondi emphasized this power in her remarks: “As Special Attorney, Ms. Halligan has authority to conduct, in the Eastern District of Virginia, any kind of legal proceeding, civil or criminal.” This clear delegation of authority extends also to cases against Comey and Letitia James, aligning Bondi’s strategy with a proactive approach to these significant cases.
Should there be any court determination regarding the scope of Halligan’s powers, Bondi stipulated that Halligan be allowed to conduct and supervise the prosecutions in both “United States v. Comey” and “United States v. James.” This additional layer of oversight underscores the gravity of the situation and Bondi’s commitment to ensuring that these cases are handled with due diligence.
The political dimensions of these appointments and challenges cannot be overlooked. Halligan’s new role underlines a broader legal struggle involving influential players with substantial stakes in the outcome of their cases. Bondi’s actions signal her intent to navigate this complex landscape with an assertive legal framework, ensuring that the processes are respected and followed. As developments unfold, the legal community will be watching closely to see how these cases progress and the implications of Bondi’s strategic maneuvers.
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