President Donald Trump has unexpectedly pulled his pick for U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia, a move that has stirred fresh political debate in Washington, JustTheNews reported.
Trump's decision to withdraw Erik Siebert, originally nominated in May, came after Siebert received bipartisan backing from Virginia’s Democratic senators amidst a stalled Senate confirmation process and his possible oversight of a high-profile mortgage fraud investigation.
Trump selected Siebert for the federal post earlier this year, aiming to fill a significant position responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in one of the nation’s busiest judicial districts.
Unexpectedly, Siebert attracted vocal support from Virginia Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both Democrats, who are known for their partisan opposition to many of the Trump administration's nominees.
This bipartisan approval initially appeared to offer Siebert a rare path through a Senate confirmation process that has been slowed by sharp political conflict.
However, as the Senate continued to delay action on most nominations through procedural roadblocks, Siebert’s confirmation never came to a vote.
If confirmed, Siebert would have overseen a sensitive investigation involving New York Attorney General Letitia James, who was accused by a federal housing agency of mortgage fraud.
The case centered on allegations that James had improperly listed two properties, including one in Virginia, as her primary residence when applying for home loans.
Letitia James has denied the mortgage fraud claims and insisted that her niece resides at the Virginia address in question, seeking to clarify the circumstances surrounding the property’s status.
According to President Trump, Siebert’s confirmation support from Warner and Kaine was the primary reason for his change of heart.
"I want him out," the president told reporters in the Oval Office on Friday, openly expressing distrust in the bipartisan endorsement Siebert received.
Trump elaborated further, saying he directed the withdrawal after seeing Siebert approved by "two gentlemen that are bad news, as far as I'm concerned."
Critics of the mortgage fraud investigation into James suggest political motivations are in play, noting James’ history of opposition to Trump’s administration and her high-profile legal disputes involving Trump interests.
Despite these claims, the accusation against James remains based on her housing loan filings, not on political actions or statements.
As of now, Siebert’s nomination has been formally withdrawn, and Trump’s decision leaves the post for U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia vacant as the administration weighs its next steps.
