Trump administration officials informed Erik Siebert, the top prosecutor for the Eastern District of Virginia, that he would be removed from his position after he chose not to pursue mortgage fraud charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James. This information comes from two individuals familiar with the situation who requested to remain anonymous due to the confidential nature of the matter.
Siebert, who was nominated by President Donald Trump as US Attorney in May, faced pressure from administration officials to prosecute James over accusations of mortgage fraud related to a property she owned in Virginia. According to one source, Siebert’s office indicated it did not have enough evidence to support charges against James.
Siebert has served in the US attorney’s office in Richmond since 2010 and may continue his career as a federal prosecutor in that office after his removal from the top position. Both the Justice Department and the offices of Siebert and James did not comment, and the White House was unresponsive to requests for comments.
ABC News previously reported on the administration’s decision to dismiss Siebert. The probe into James was initiated following claims from Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte, who alleged she may have committed mortgage fraud based on her residence status reported in applications. James, who successfully prosecuted Trump in a civil fraud case, has denied any wrongdoing.
In 2024, James won a $454 million civil fraud case against Trump and his business. Although a New York appeals court overturned the financial penalty in August, it upheld the determination that Trump had inflated the value of his assets unlawfully.
During this period, the Trump administration targeted multiple Democrats, including James, Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, and California Senator Adam Schiff, as part of an initiative led by Justice Department official Ed Martin. All targeted individuals have denied committing fraud. Martin was assigned by Attorney General Pam Bondi to lead a new task force addressing the so-called weaponization of the federal government, a direct response to an executive order from Trump.
Separately, the Justice Department has initiated an investigation into James concerning the civil fraud ruling she secured against Trump. In August, Trump attempted to fire Cook based on mortgage fraud allegations, prompting her to file a lawsuit in response. A federal judge has allowed Cook to remain in her position for the time being as the case develops, while Trump has petitioned the US Supreme Court for permission to dismiss her.
Schiff has been a prominent opponent of Trump since his first term, with President Joe Biden having granted pardons to Schiff and others involved in the investigations stemming from the January 6th, 2021, Capitol assault by Trump supporters.
Siebert, who has progressively advanced within the US attorney’s office in Virginia, was named interim US attorney in January. His interim role concluded in May when Trump nominated him for the position to secure Senate confirmation. Judges in the Eastern District of Virginia subsequently appointed him as US attorney while he awaited Senate approval.
This report was compiled with contributions from Josh Wingrove and Erik Larson.
