U.S. Attorney Erik Seibert of the Eastern District of Virginia resigned Friday.
The White House told him to step down or face termination.
Reason for Ouster
Sources say Seibert resisted bringing local charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James.
James is one of President Trump’s top political rivals.
Letitia James
The case under review involves alleged mortgage fraud tied to James.
Investigators say she may have misrepresented a property to obtain favorable loan terms.
A housing and finance banker told Fox News the case is viable.
Trump allies pressured Seibert to pursue charges more aggressively.
His reluctance ultimately cost him his post.
Seibert’s Background
Seibert joined the Eastern District of Virginia in 2010.
He was not yet Senate-confirmed but was expected to be.
Erik Seibert
The Eastern District has a reputation for high-profile prosecutions.
It secured convictions in terrorism cases after the Sept. 11 attacks.
The district remains a hub for counterterrorism and national security law.
ABC News first reported the White House’s plans to remove him.
Seibert’s resignation was confirmed later in the day.
Trump’s Explanation
Trump told reporters he pulled Seibert’s nomination.
He cited the support Seibert had received from Virginia Democrats.
Donald Trump
Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner had signed off via the blue slip process.
“When I saw that he got approved by those two men, I said, ‘Pull it,’” Trump said.
The president added, “He can’t be any good.”
Trump said he wanted Seibert out immediately.
Investigation Into James
Attorney General Pam Bondi tasked U.S. Pardon Attorney Ed Martin with leading the probe.
Martin will coordinate with Virginia’s U.S. attorney to file charges if needed.
James’ lawyer Abbe Lowell criticized Martin’s role in a letter.
Lowell accused Martin of pursuing revenge on Trump’s behalf.
He said the investigation lacked serious evidence or legal basis.
James has denied any wrongdoing in the mortgage case.
Next Steps
Martin, once a nominee for U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C., now leads the inquiry.
His earlier nomination was withdrawn amid Republican concerns over his experience.
Bondi said Martin will coordinate with EDVA despite Seibert’s exit.
The White House has not named a permanent replacement for Seibert.
The case against James is expected to escalate in the coming weeks.
Democrats argue the investigation is politically motivated retaliation.
