20th September 2025 - (Washington) The U.S. attorney overseeing the investigation into mortgage fraud allegations against Letitia James, the New York attorney general, is stepping down amidst pressure from the Trump administration. Erik Siebert's resignation comes amid a concerted effort by Trump administration officials to pursue criminal charges against an individual perceived as a political opponent of the president.

Siebert's departure follows calls by Trump for his removal as the head of the eastern district of Virginia U.S. office. The specifics of his replacement remain undisclosed at this time, with Siebert having been appointed by Trump to this esteemed position after a tenure of over a decade within the office.

Trump's directive to replace Siebert, a seasoned prosecutor in Virginia's prestigious eastern district, was shared by an anonymous source not authorised to discuss the matter. The transition of leadership, with no formal announcement made as of Friday afternoon, has prompted speculation regarding the intention behind this move.

Furthermore, Maya Song, Siebert's chief deputy, will also be stepping down from her post as the first assistant US attorney to assume a role as a line prosecutor. Trump's expressed desire for Siebert's removal sheds light on the political undertones at play within the justice department, raising concerns about potential misuse of prosecutorial powers for retaliatory purposes.

The effort to expedite a replacement for Siebert amidst the ongoing investigation into Letitia James reflects a broader pattern of aggressive pursuit of allegations against public figures deemed as adversaries by Donald Trump. While the investigation into James has not led to any formal charges thus far, the potential ramifications of these actions are viewed with growing apprehension.