Longtime Virginia Lawyer Chosen by Judges as U.S. Attorney, and Then Fired

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by Alan Feuer

February 21, 2026

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The U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, James W. Hundley, was appointed by federal judges but swiftly dismissed by the Justice Department in a move that highlights ongoing tensions between judicial and executive branches. On February 20, Judge M. Hannah Lauck selected Hundley, a long-time defense lawyer, to fill the role following the resignation of former U.S. attorney Jennifer Kippenstein, who stepped down after her appointment was deemed unlawful by a judge. However, just two hours into his tenure, Hundley was fired by Todd Blanche, the deputy attorney general, in a social media post that challenged the authority of federal judges to appoint interim attorneys. This incident marks the second time this month that Blanche has removed a prosecutor appointed by judges. In nearly identical fashion, Blanche dismissed Donald T. Kinsella, an Albany-based lawyer, shortly after he was named interim U.S. attorney in New York’s Northern District. Both actions stem from legal rulings that found several Trump-era appointments to be unconstitutional or unlawful. Federal judges across the country have increasingly taken on this role, appointing interim attorneys when predecessors resign or complete their 120-day terms. Blanche’s posts reflect his belief that the president alone has the authority to appoint U.S. attorneys, despite legal provisions allowing judges to step in during vacancies. His social media statements often echo President Trump’s rhetoric and misinterpret the law. Critics argue that such actions undermine judicial independence and create unnecessary conflict between branches of government. This controversy underscores broader concerns about administrative overreach and challenges to judicial authority under the current administration. It highlights the delicate balance between executive power and judicial oversight in appointments, a debate that resonates with those following legal and political developments. The recurring dismissals also raise questions about the stability of federal prosecutor positions and the integrity of the justice system.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/21/2026