A choice that provokes intense reactions was made by Donald Trump, announcing the appointment of former attorney and former beauty pageant contestant, Lindsey Halligan, to the position of prosecutor for the Eastern District of Virginia. The move was announced through a post by the former American president on the Truth Social platform, where he accompanied the announcement with direct pressure on Attorney General Pam Bondi, demanding a tougher stance against his political opponents. Trump, while praising Bondi’s work, made it clear that his new choice would be “the tough hand” needed to advance critical cases. “Pam Bondi is doing excellent work, but needs a tough prosecutor in Virginia, like Lindsey Halligan,” he wrote characteristically.
“Lindsey is a really good lawyer…” –Trump sending a DM to AG Pam Bondi via Truth Social, which has since been deleted
Lindsey Halligan’s background is insurance law. She is now overseeing an overhaul of the Smithsonian Institution in alignment with Trump’s “American ideals.” https://t.co/bkco89Ay44 pic.twitter.com/aLJFKz6kpl
— Bad Fox Graphics (@BadFoxGraphics) September 21, 2025
Who is Donald Trump’s new choice for the prosecutor position
Lindsey Halligan is not unknown in Trump’s circle. As an attorney, she had stood by his side after the Mar-a-Lago investigation regarding classified documents. Additionally, in the past she participated in the Miss Colorado competition, reaching the semifinals in 2009 and winning third place a year later. This dual identity –beauty contestant and lawyer– gives the choice a dimension that surprises, but also divides.
Pam Bondi is doing a GREAT job as Attorney General of the United States. She is very careful, very smart, loves our Country, but needs a tough prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia, like my recommendation, Lindsey Halligan, to get things moving. What we don’t need is a…
— Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) September 21, 2025
Although it has not been clarified whether her appointment will be temporary until Senate confirmation, the decision has already sparked discussions, especially after the surprising resignation of Eric Siebert. The experienced prosecutor had previously rejected potential prosecution of New York Attorney General Letitia James and had expressed reservations about the case of former FBI director James Comey.
The Trump Administration sent a letter to the Smithsonian requesting a content review.
Lindsey Halligan says exhibits should NOT be ideologically charged:
“It’s important to reignite American pride, American excellence, and show kids the American dream really is possible.” pic.twitter.com/uc3bkAZF89
— Daniel Baldwin (@baldwin_daniel_) August 26, 2025
Trump’s pressure campaign
Trump’s pressure on Pam Bondi was not hidden. In an earlier post, he had demanded Halligan’s appointment, denouncing that “they are killing our reputation and credibility.” He himself, bringing back his attacks regarding impeachments and charges against him, stated: “Justice must be served, now.”
Shortly before the announcement, it had leaked through an email from legal counsel Mary “Maggie” Cleary that she was about to assume the position. However, the landscape was overturned at the last minute, with Trump imposing Halligan’s choice, causing a new wave of reactions and questions about the future of American justice.
