Lawyer chosen as top federal prosecutor for Virginia is fired just hours later

Published February 20, 2026 10:15pm ET



The Justice Department has fired a lawyer picked to serve as the top federal prosecutor in Virginia, just hours after he was appointed by judges.

The panel of federal judges selected defense attorney James Hundley to serve as the interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, replacing Lindsey Halligan, the appointee of President Donald Trump whose term lapsed in January. But Hundley did not see out the day, as Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced his firing on X on Friday evening.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.