A conservative lawyer, Mary Maggie Cleary, who has previously claimed she was falsely accused of being present at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, has been appointed as the new acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. This appointment comes at a tumultuous time for the office, following the abrupt resignation of the previous acting U.S. attorney, Erik Siebert, amid significant pressure from the Trump administration.
In an email sent to her staff, which was obtained by CBS News, Cleary expressed her gratitude and acknowledgment of the challenging environment she is stepping into. "While this appointment was unexpected, I am humbled to be joining your ranks," she stated, emphasizing the distinguished legacy of the Eastern District of Virginia. Cleary's appointment is particularly notable given the political tensions surrounding the office, especially concerning ongoing investigations into New York Attorney General Letitia James, a known adversary of former President Trump.
Erik Siebert resigned from his position after facing intense scrutiny and pressure from Trump administration officials who were eager to see criminal charges filed against James related to a mortgage fraud investigation. Reports suggest that federal prosecutors within the district were concerned about Siebert's future, fearing he might be removed for his reluctance to prosecute James. In a social media post, Trump confirmed he had pushed for Siebert's removal, stating, "Yeah, I want him out."
The investigation into James, which has been described as politically motivated by her legal team, revolves around allegations that she provided false information on mortgage applications to secure favorable loan rates. The Justice Department has been conducting this probe for several months but has yet to bring any charges, and there has been no indication of significant incriminating evidence found against James. In contrast, James' attorneys have vigorously denied all allegations, framing the investigation as a politically charged act of revenge.
Before her recent appointment, Cleary had rejoined the Justice Department as a senior counsel in the criminal division after serving as a prosecutor in the Culpepper Commonwealth's Attorney's Office. She previously held the position of deputy secretary of public safety under Virginia's Republican Governor, Glenn Youngkin, and later worked in the office of Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares. Cleary has publicly shared her experiences regarding the accusations made against her concerning her alleged presence at the Capitol during the January 6 riot.
In a reflective article for The Spectator World, Cleary recounted her experience of being wrongly identified in a photograph from the Capitol riot. She clarified that, despite her known conservative affiliations, she was not in attendance that day. "Everyone knew I was a conservative. It was all over my resume," she wrote, highlighting her past leadership roles in local Republican committees. Cleary described the ordeal of being placed on administrative leave and subsequently cleared to return to work, indicating a deep personal connection to the political pressures that often affect those in her position.
Mary Maggie Cleary's appointment as the acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia marks a significant moment in the intersection of law and politics, especially amidst the ongoing investigations and controversies surrounding key political figures. As she steps into this role, the focus will be on how she navigates the challenges posed by both internal dynamics and external political pressures.
