Trump Administration Threatens to Fire Prosecutor Over James Inquiry

Lead: Top Trump administration officials warned they may dismiss Eastern District of Virginia U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert after he declined to bring mortgage-fraud charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James, sources said Friday in Washington.

Nut Graf: The move underscores mounting political pressure within the Justice Department to pursue criminal allegations against James-a prominent Trump adversary-and raises concerns about potential weaponization of federal prosecutorial powers against political opponents.

Key Developments

  • Officials communicated to Siebert that he faces removal for expressing doubts about the evidence in the months-long mortgage-fraud probe targeting James.
  • The investigation, prompted by a criminal referral from Trump ally Bill Pulte, has yet to produce charges or clear proof that James knowingly misled lenders.
  • Siebert’s office also oversees a separate inquiry into former FBI Director James Comey, and he reportedly told DOJ leadership both cases lack sufficient evidence.

Background and Context

Eastern District of Virginia prosecutors began investigating alleged paperwork discrepancies tied to James’s Virginia residence and Brooklyn townhouse in April after Pulte’s referral. Trump officials, including Ed Martin of the DOJ’s Weaponization Working Group, pressed Siebert to indict James despite investigative findings that key documents were never weighed by loan officers.

Responses and Implications

Justice Department spokespeople declined to comment, and Siebert remained at his post late Friday afternoon. Critics warn that replacing U.S. attorneys for failing to pursue politically charged cases could erode the department’s independence and fuel accusations of retribution.

What’s Next

Siebert’s fate remains uncertain as some Justice Department officials reportedly seek to protect his tenure. A decision on his removal could materialize in the coming days, with significant implications for the DOJ’s autonomy and future high-profile investigations.