By Trendsetter Tribune 
Robert McBride, the top career prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia, has been fired, leaving the office in turmoil amid high-profile Trump-era cases.
The top career prosecutor in the Justice Department’s Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) has been fired, sources confirmed Monday, marking the latest upheaval in the powerful office known for high-profile cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Robert McBride, who served only a few weeks as first assistant to US Attorney Lindsey Halligan, was removed with the backing of Justice Department leadership in Washington, leaving the office without a senior career prosecutor to oversee ongoing investigations and cases.
Chaos in the Alexandria US Attorney’s Office
Halligan, appointed by Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Trump administration in late September, has faced repeated challenges to her authority in court. McBride’s brief tenure coincided with Halligan’s attempts to manage politically sensitive prosecutions, including cases against Comey and James, which have faced significant judicial pushback.
Judges have repeatedly ruled that Halligan does not have full authority to lead the office, creating uncertainty over prosecutorial decisions. In recent weeks, court filings have listed Halligan, McBride, and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, highlighting ongoing questions about leadership and authority within the office.
A judge in Washington, D.C. largely blocked efforts to revive the Comey case, and grand juries in the district declined to re-indict James on mortgage fraud charges, underscoring the difficulties faced by the Trump-appointed team.
Reasons Behind McBride’s Firing
People familiar with the situation suggest that internal disagreements and political dissatisfaction contributed to McBride’s removal. Some Trump administration appointees were reportedly frustrated that McBride:
- Did not hold regular meetings with other law enforcement agencies
- Did not advance as many immigration-related cases as expected
- Possibly hesitated on high-profile prosecutions tied to Halligan’s agenda
Inside the office, questions remain about whether McBride aligned fully with Halligan and other Department leaders regarding strategy for the Comey and James cases. Several other line prosecutors working on these politicized investigations have also departed in recent months.
CNN is attempting to reach McBride for comment.
Implications for Trump-Era Cases
The firing of a top career prosecutor adds another layer of uncertainty to the EDVA office, which is already under scrutiny due to politically charged indictments. Without McBride, oversight of sensitive cases may face delays or further complications.
Legal experts note that the turbulence reflects broader challenges in managing career prosecutors alongside political appointees, especially in offices handling high-profile investigations tied to former President Donald Trump and his allies.
The Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the firing.