Trump Administration Dismisses Newly Hired Eastern Virginia Prosecutor

The Trump administration’s conflict with the judicial branch intensified as judges in the Eastern District of Virginia appointed James W. Hundley as interim U.S. attorney, only for him to be fired shortly after by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. This marks the second instance this month of the administration dismissing a judge-appointed prosecutor amid ongoing scrutiny over the legality of its temporary U.S. attorneys. Federal judges have ruled that several such appointments across states, including Virginia, were unlawful, prompting the Justice Department to appeal. Critics argue the administration is bypassing the Senate confirmation process, while the DOJ maintains it has the authority to appoint prosecutors as needed.

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