What's Happening?
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has dismissed James Hundley, who was appointed as interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia by federal judges. The dismissal occurred just hours after Hundley's appointment, with Blanche asserting
that the President, not federal judges, has the authority to appoint U.S. Attorneys. This action is part of a broader pattern by the Department of Justice (DOJ) of removing U.S. Attorneys appointed by judges, as seen in recent cases in New Jersey and New York.
Why It's Important?
The dismissal underscores ongoing tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary over the appointment of U.S. Attorneys. This conflict raises questions about the separation of powers and the appropriate process for such appointments. The DOJ's actions may be seen as an effort to consolidate control over federal prosecutions, potentially impacting the independence of the judiciary and the fair administration of justice.
