President Donald Trump claimed Saturday that Interim U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert was fired, not resigned, intensifying political tensions over the Justice Department’s handling of New York Attorney General Letitia James. Siebert, who served as interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) since early 2025, announced his resignation Friday evening, thanking staff and calling his tenure an honor. His departure came just hours after Trump publicly stated he wanted Siebert “out” over what he viewed as a lack of action regarding potential federal prosecution of James.

Trump expressed frustration that Siebert had been “blue-slipped” — a Senate tradition allowing home-state senators to weigh in on nominees — by Virginia’s Democratic Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. Trump sharply criticized both senators, referring to them as “bad guys,” and questioned Siebert’s suitability for the post due to their backing. “I don’t really want him,” Trump said, later adding on Truth Social, “He didn’t quit, I fired him!”

Despite Trump’s current stance, Siebert was originally nominated by Trump himself in May, with support from Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin. However, Trump said that strong Democratic support made Siebert untrustworthy. His remarks followed questions about whether the Justice Department would investigate Letitia James, who previously secured a civil fraud judgment against Trump. The former president has repeatedly accused her of political bias and misconduct.

Siebert’s resignation email made no mention of Trump, James, or the circumstances surrounding his departure. It focused solely on appreciation for his colleagues and the mission of the EDVA.

The Justice Department has not commented on Siebert’s departure. Trump’s highly publicized statements underscore his continued attempts to influence federal prosecutions—highlighting broader concerns about the politicization of justice under his leadership.