Trump Administration’s Pressure on Justice Department Escalates with Prosecutor’s Resignation
September 20, 2025 – The erosion of institutional norms within the Trump administration continues, with the recent resignation of Erik Siebert, the U.S. Attorney for the eastern District of Virginia, marking a new low in the politicization of federal law enforcement. This case, experts say, isn’t simply another instance of political appointees settling scores – it represents a risky escalation in the weaponization of the Justice Department against perceived political enemies.
The unfolding situation, first reported by NBC News adn the New York Times, reveals a concerted effort by the white House to leverage the Justice Department for personal retribution. Siebert’s expected resignation, alongside the planned demotion of his assistant Maya Song, comes after intense pressure to pursue a case against New York Attorney General Letitia James – the official who successfully brought a civil fraud case against the Trump family business.
“We are watching Donald Trump break the Department of Justice right before our eyes,” wrote David French of the New york Times, echoing concerns voiced by legal scholars across the political spectrum.”It was never a perfect institution…But the answer to the justice Department’s flaws is to reaffirm its commitment to justice and fairness, not to destroy its standards and abandon any pretense of impartiality.”
This isn’t the first time the Trump administration has dismissed federal prosecutors deemed disloyal. However, the Siebert case is distinct. The white House didn’t simply remove a prosecutor for past affiliations or disagreements; it actively directed an investigation targeting a political opponent.
The impetus for this investigation stemmed from allegations of mortgage fraud leveled against James by Bill Pulte, the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Pulte, described by the Washington Post as a “prominent Trump sidekick,” has a history of making unsubstantiated claims against those critical of the president. The administration seemingly hoped Pulte’s accusations would provide grounds for politically
