Eric Siebert, a U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, stepped down on Friday, reportedly under pressure from the Trump administration, just as an investigation into mortgage fraud allegations against New York Attorney General Leticia James was beginning.
A new appointee will take over Siebert’s position. His resignation was also noted by various outlets, including the Associated Press and the New York Times.
During a press briefing, the president commented that Siebert had expressed a desire to leave. “He was approved by two Democratic senators, but in my view, he’s one of the worst,” Trump stated.
As reported by the Times, Siebert had recently conveyed to a senior official at the Justice Department that his office lacked sufficient evidence for charging James.
Trump’s frustration with James has escalated since she brought criminal charges against his business ventures in New York. Although a civil fraud judgment of around $500 million against Trump was nullified last month by the New York Court of Appeals, the court did not dismiss the case entirely.
The lawsuit against James originated from a referral by the Federal Housing and Treasury Agency (FHFA), which is overseen by Trump ally Bill Pulte. Pulte utilized agency data to accuse some of Trump’s adversaries of improperly managing loan terms.
Beyond James, Pulte has also implicated Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Federal Reserve member Lisa Cook in similar mortgage fraud activities.
All parties have denied any wrongdoing and characterized the investigation as a political maneuver targeting those deemed enemies by the President.
Pulte initially presented the fraud allegations pertaining to James’ Virginia mortgage dealings.
As of 2023, James is mandated to maintain her primary residence in New York, as part of her role as Attorney General.
Within the Justice Department, Ed Martin has been partially assigned to the case. Martin is not confirmed by the Senate for his role as U.S. attorney and has instead been chosen to lead a new group focusing on alleged weaponization within the department.
Both Pulte and Martin have been vocal about the investigation; however, investigators appear cautious about proceeding as they typically would before formal charges are approved.
When asked about the situation at the White House, Trump remarked—without citing specific evidence—“It seems like she’s really guilty of something, but I’m not entirely sure.”
