'He didn't quit, I fired him': Trump pushes back against claim US attorney resigned

Trump suggests revoking FCC licenses of broadcasters critical of him

Political and legal analyst Madeline Summerville on whether President Trump suggesting pulling FCC licenses would violate free speech.

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump is pushing back against claims that a U.S. attorney in Virginia who was leading an investigation into the New York Attorney General stepped down Friday, claiming instead that he fired him.

What we know:

Erik Siebert, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, left the department on Friday.

Siebert reportedly told his colleagues via email about his decision, according to the Associated Press. In the Oval Office on Friday, Trump told reporters that he wanted Siebert "out" of the role. Trump nominated Siebert for the position in May.

But in a Truth Social post early Saturday morning, Trump refuted claims that Siebert resigned, saying "he didn't quit, I fired him!" 

In the post, Trump said he did so because "I was informed that [Siebert] received UNUSUALLY STRONG support of the two absolutely terribly sleazebag Democrat Senators, from the Great State of Virginia."

VALHALLA, NEW YORK - MAY 08: NY Attorney General Letitia James hosts a town hall at SUNY Westchester Community College to hear from residents about the impact of former President Donald Trump’s policies on their lives on May 08, 2025 in Valhalla, New

Expand

The backstory:

The Trump administration has been investigating New York Attorney General Letitia James for months, over accusations of mortgage fraud. James has denied the allegations. When the allegations first surfaced, James' team called the charges "intimidation" from Trump's team.

SUGGESTED: Trump admin refers NY AG James for possible prosecution over mortgage fraud allegations

Siebert's departure on Friday was seen as a response to pressure from the Trump team after months without any charges being filed, according to the Associated Press.

What's next:

It's not yet clear who will replace Siebert. First assistant U.S. Attorney Maya Song, Siebert's top deputy in the department, is also leaving, a source told the Associated Press.