President Donald Trump is anticipated to dismiss Erik Siebert, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. This decision follows Siebert's office failing to uncover evidence of mortgage fraud against New York Attorney General Letitia James. Federal prosecutors in Virginia reportedly found no substantial proof that James knowingly committed mortgage fraud when she purchased a home in Virginia in 2023.

Sources indicate that Trump officials pressured Siebert to pursue criminal charges against James, but he did not comply. Administration officials have informed Siebert of Trump's intention to terminate his position, with his last day expected to be Friday. This potential dismissal could create turmoil within one of the most significant U.S. attorney's offices, which is responsible for a large number of espionage and terrorism cases.

Trump nominated Siebert for the role in May. Reports suggest that the administration plans to appoint a new U.S. attorney who would be more inclined to investigate James. Critics of Trump view this move as part of a broader campaign of retribution against political adversaries, which also includes ongoing investigations into figures like Senator Adam Schiff and Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook.

Trump has frequently accused James of politically motivated actions against him, labeling her as "biased and corrupt." During a civil fraud trial in 2023, he described her as "a horror show who ran on the basis that she was going to get Trump before she even knew anything about me." He further claimed that her actions constitute election interference.

A New York judge previously ruled that Trump and his family engaged in business fraud by inflating property values to secure favorable loan terms, resulting in fines totaling nearly half a billion dollars. Although an appeals court later overturned the financial penalty, it upheld the finding of fraud.

Trump's administration has alleged that James committed mortgage fraud, claiming that a document related to her home purchase inaccurately indicated the property would be her primary residence. This investigation was initiated after Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, referred the matter to the Department of Justice in April. Pulte stated, "I believe this is riddled with mortgage fraud, and frankly, I think that's why she knew so much about the law in terms of how to go after President Trump. She was the fraudster, not President Trump."

However, investigators have determined that the document in question—a limited power of attorney form used by James' niece—was not considered by the loan officers who approved the mortgage.

Siebert, a former police officer with the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., has been with the Eastern District of Virginia since 2010. He has held various roles, including heading the office's organized drug crime task force. Siebert began his interim role as U.S. attorney on January 21, following the resignation of Jessica Aber.

Both of Virginia's Democratic senators, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, recommended Siebert to Trump, who nominated him for the position. They praised his dedication to public safety and his extensive experience in handling violent crimes and firearms trafficking. After his interim term expired, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia unanimously agreed to extend Siebert's tenure.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia is one of the most prominent federal prosecutors' offices in the country, serving over six million people with a staff of 300 prosecutors. It is known for handling significant terrorism and intelligence-related cases due to its proximity to Washington, D.C.