WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is expected to fire Erik Siebert, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, after his office found no incriminating evidence in a probe of New York Attorney General Letitia James, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.
Federal prosecutors in Virginia reviewed allegations of mortgage fraud tied to James’ 2023 home purchase but concluded there was no evidence she knowingly misrepresented documents. Despite the findings, sources said Trump officials pressured Siebert to bring charges.
Political Ramifications
Siebert’s ouster, anticipated on Friday, could upend one of the nation’s most prominent federal prosecutors’ offices, which oversees major espionage, terrorism, and national security cases. Critics argue the move highlights Trump’s use of the Justice Department to target political opponents.
Administration officials reportedly plan to install a replacement willing to pursue James more aggressively.
Trump’s Attacks on James
Trump has repeatedly clashed with James, who led the civil fraud case that concluded he and his family overstated property values to secure loans. A New York judge fined Trump and his sons nearly half a billion dollars—though the financial penalties were later overturned on appeal, the fraud finding was upheld.
Calling James “biased and corrupt,” Trump has long claimed she campaigned on targeting him. During his 2023 civil fraud trial, he described her as “a horror show” and alleged her lawsuits amounted to election interference.
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How the Mortgage Probe Began
The Virginia investigation originated in April 2024 after Federal Housing Finance Agency director Bill Pulte submitted a referral claiming James committed mortgage fraud. At issue was a power of attorney form signed by James’ niece during the home closing.
Sources said investigators determined the form was not considered by the loan officers approving the mortgage and therefore could not constitute fraud.
Siebert’s Tenure and Background
A former Washington, D.C. police officer, Siebert joined the Eastern District of Virginia in 2010 and rose to lead the Richmond division before being appointed interim U.S. attorney in January 2025.
Following the resignation of Jessica Aber, Siebert was nominated by Trump in May with support from Virginia Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both Democrats. The federal district court extended his tenure beyond the standard 120-day term.
“The Eastern District of Virginia is one of the country’s busiest and most critical U.S. attorney’s offices,” Warner and Kaine said earlier this year, praising Siebert’s career of public service.
Broader Retaliation Allegations
Siebert’s dismissal follows other high-profile Trump-era investigations targeting perceived rivals, including Sen. Adam Schiff and Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook.
Critics say removing Siebert for refusing to prosecute James represents an escalation in Trump’s retribution campaign, while supporters argue the DOJ should not shield political figures from scrutiny.
