The federal prosecutor involved in the cases against former FBI Director James Comey and ex-New York Attorney General Letitia James recently received applause from CNN commentators. They humorously likened her to a contestant from “The Apprentice,” suggesting she resembled Hope Hicks.
Lindsey Harrigan, the interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, responded to Stacey Schneider, another attorney who garnered attention for her time on President Trump’s reality show. Schneider implied that Harrigan was merely a pretty face.
In a statement to the Post, Harrigan expressed, “When women like Stacey Schneider criticize me based on my appearance, it only reinforces my commitment to support and empower women.” She added, “Attempts by other women to undermine us only strengthen my resolve to raise us all up.”
The discussion about Harrigan’s roles came up during a lively debate on CNN’s “Newsnight.” Schneider, who practices law in New York and appears frequently on CNN, made comments about Harrigan’s looks, suggesting she resembled someone from Trump’s reality show, noting her long hair and similar makeup.
In response, Scott Jennings defended Harrigan, pointing out that looks shouldn’t determine a lawyer’s ability. He asked, “Does that make a person a bad lawyer?” Harrigan is known as a former beauty pageant winner who once assisted Trump’s defense in a classified documents case.
Schneider laughed off Jennings’ defense, asserting, “I’m an excellent lawyer.” She explained that her comments about Harrigan’s appearance were related to concerns about her lack of courtroom experience, joking about the idea of appointing someone without prosecution experience.
The show’s host, Abbey Phillippe, agreed with Schneider’s comments. Harrigan has never actually appeared on “The Apprentice,” although Schneider made a mark as a participant, famously getting fired early in the show’s fifth season for failing in a marketing task.
Schneider, who has authored books and provided legal analysis for multiple networks, made a controversial remark during Trump’s “hush money” trial last year, noting a missed opportunity for additional testimony that could have bolstered the case.
She later clarified her comments about Harrigan, saying her appearance remarks were intended as a compliment, though she maintained her criticism regarding Harrigan’s lack of trial experience.
Harrigan, appointed to her interim role after her time in the White House, recently faced legal challenges concerning her appointment, which some argue is unconstitutional. This debate is likely to intensify as court hearings resume.
On September 25, Harrigan indicted Comey for obstruction of justice and making false statements during a 2020 Congressional hearing regarding the leak of FBI information. Recently, she also indicted Letitia James for allegedly making misleading statements to secure more favorable loan terms.
Both defendants have pleaded not guilty, and a trial is set for January 2026.
