Lawyer Erik Siebert
Overview
Erik Siebert, born in August 1979, is an American attorney and former United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. A former police officer turned federal prosecutor, Siebert served in the nation’s most active and high-profile federal jurisdiction from January until September 2025. His tenure ended abruptly after he resisted political pressure from the Trump administration to bring charges against perceived political adversaries.
Early Life and Education
Siebert graduated from West Springfield High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the Virginia Military Institute. Following his time at VMI, he joined the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, where he served as a patrol officer and later as a vice investigator. In 2005, he married Anne Gray Cullen, a kindergarten teacher and daughter of Richard Cullen, a prominent Virginia attorney and former U.S. Attorney.
After several years in law enforcement, Siebert pursued a Juris Doctor at the University of Richmond School of Law, graduating in 2009. While in law school, he interned for Judge Henry E. Hudson, Magistrate Judge M. Hannah Lauck, and the Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.
Federal Prosecutorial Career
In 2010, Siebert joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) under U.S. Attorney Neil MacBride. Over the next decade, he prosecuted major drug trafficking, organized crime, and violent gang cases. By 2019, Siebert had been promoted to deputy criminal supervisor for the Richmond Division, overseeing narcotics, firearms, and violent crime prosecutions.
He was widely respected by peers and law enforcement agencies for his disciplined case management and balanced leadership style.
U.S. Attorney Appointment
When Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025, Siebert was recommended by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin’s advisors and took office on January 21, 2025, succeeding Jessica Aber. His nomination received bipartisan support from Virginia Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, who both endorsed him as a qualified and nonpartisan career prosecutor.
During his tenure, Siebert worked closely with Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove on gang enforcement and immigration cases. Observers described him as methodical, restrained, and resistant to political influence.
Resignation and Political Pressure
Siebert’s removal in September 2025 followed his refusal to prosecute New York Attorney General Letitia James for alleged mortgage fraud. After a five-month investigation found no clear evidence to support criminal charges, Siebert reportedly rejected internal pressure to indict. Trump publicly demanded his dismissal, stating he wanted Siebert “out” after learning that both Democratic senators had supported his nomination.
On September 19, 2025, Siebert submitted his resignation, thanking his staff for their dedication and professionalism. Hours later, Trump claimed he had fired him. The next day, the Department of Justice appointed Lindsey Halligan, a former Trump attorney, as his interim successor.
Siebert’s departure was widely viewed as a watershed moment highlighting the politicization of the Justice Department. His stance was praised by some as an act of integrity and criticized by others as insubordination.
Personal Life
Siebert is married to Anne Gray Cullen Siebert, and they reside in Virginia. He is the son-in-law of Richard Cullen, a respected figure in Virginia legal and political circles. Known for his military background and law enforcement discipline, Siebert is regarded as a career public servant who values professionalism over partisanship.
Professional Reputation
Throughout his career, Siebert earned a reputation for fairness, prosecutorial restraint, and respect for the rule of law. His decision to resign rather than pursue politically motivated charges reinforced his image as a principled attorney unwilling to compromise legal ethics for political expediency.
