Ethics Probe Launched Into Trump-Appointed US Attorney in Florida

A former interim US attorney who was appointed by Donald Trump and led failed prosecutions against two of the president's political opponents is facing an ethics investigation by the bar association in her home state of Florida.

News of the investigation against Lindsey Halligan – who temporarily served as the top federal prosecutor in the eastern district of Virginia – was contained in a February letter from the Florida bar to Campaign for Accountability executive director Michelle Kuppersmith.

Halligan was appointed by Trump in 2021 to serve as the interim US attorney for the eastern district of Virginia, a position she held until January 2022. During her tenure, she unsuccessfully prosecuted two of Trump's political allies – Steve Bannon and Peter Navarro – on contempt of Congress charges related to the January 6th investigation.

The Florida bar's investigation into Halligan appears to be focused on her conduct during those prosecutions, which were widely criticized as politically motivated and poorly handled. Prosecutors ultimately lost both cases, with Bannon and Navarro being acquitted.

The news of the ethics probe is the latest blow to Halligan's legal career. In January, she left her position as interim US attorney, with the Biden administration opting not to nominate her for the permanent role.

The Florida bar's letter to Kuppersmith did not provide details on the specific allegations against Halligan or the timeline for the investigation. However, the probe could ultimately result in disciplinary action, including the potential suspension or revocation of her law license.

The ethics investigation is the latest chapter in the ongoing fallout from Trump's controversial appointments to key Justice Department positions. Halligan's failed prosecutions of Bannon and Navarro have been widely seen as attempts to target the former president's political enemies, further undermining public trust in the impartiality of federal law enforcement.

As the investigation unfolds, Halligan's future as a practicing attorney remains uncertain. The outcome of the Florida bar's probe could have significant implications for her career and the continued debate over the politicization of the Justice Department.