In a significant legal development, a federal judge has issued a sharp order to Lindsay Halligan, a prominent ally of former US President Donald Trump, demanding an explanation for her continued use of an official title that a prior court deemed unlawful.
Judge Novak's Seven-Day Ultimatum
US District Judge David Novak, who was appointed during the Trump administration and serves in Richmond, has given Halligan a strict deadline of seven days. She must formally explain why she persists in identifying herself with the tag of US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. Judge Novak explicitly asked Halligan to justify how this conduct does not constitute a "false or misleading statement." The judge warned that failure to provide a satisfactory explanation could lead to disciplinary actions against her.
Importantly, Judge Novak clarified that this recent order was issued on his own initiative. He stated that no request from defence lawyers or any external party influenced his decision. He also made it clear that the order cannot be ignored simply because the Department of Justice (DOJ) is appealing the underlying ruling.
The Backdrop of a "Defective" Appointment
The current order stems from a binding precedent set by a ruling on December 18, 2025. On that date, Judge McGowan Currie declared Halligan's appointment to the position of US Attorney as "defective." This verdict came after Halligan dismissed a Department of Justice case against Letitia James and James Comey.
This ruling remains legally binding in the Eastern District of Virginia because, despite an appeal filed by the DOJ, no stay has been granted to pause its enforcement. The DOJ has strongly defended Halligan, accusing the federal judges involved of conducting a "campaign of bias and hostility" against her.
Ongoing Legal and Political Repercussions
The standoff highlights the lingering tensions from the Trump era within the US judicial system. The situation puts the Department of Justice in a difficult position, as it continues to back an official whose appointment has been invalidated by the court. According to a report by the local news outlet Axios, the DOJ has not yet responded to requests for comment on Judge Novak's latest order.
The next seven days are crucial for Lindsay Halligan. Her response to Judge Novak will determine whether she faces formal disciplinary proceedings for allegedly misrepresenting her official status. This case continues to be a closely watched legal battle with significant implications for the authority of judicial rulings versus executive appointments.
