The Justice Department confirmed Monday that interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Lindsey Halligan exchanged text messages with Lawfare journalist Anna Bower about New York Attorney General Letitia James’s recent indictment.
According to Bower’s Lawfare report, Halligan contacted her on Oct. 11 after Bower posted on X about New York Times reporting that linked James’s great-niece to the property at the center of the case. Bower said Halligan accused her of “reporting things that are simply not true” but declined to specify errors, citing “grand jury” restrictions. Screenshots published by Lawfare show Halligan insisting her messages were “off record,” to which Bower replied that Halligan could not declare confidentiality after the fact.
Prosecutors allege James obtained a “second home” mortgage for a Norfolk, Virginia property, then rented it out despite loan terms requiring her to use it as a residence. Halligan, who was appointed by President Trump, reportedly disputed Bower’s interpretation of the case.
A DOJ spokesperson confirmed the authenticity of the messages, saying Bower “didn’t get the response she wanted,” while The New York Times stood by its reporting.
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