Federal prosecutor tasked with investigating Trump adversary Letitia James resigns under pressure

President Donald Trump told reporters Friday afternoon that he wanted U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert "out."

The federal prosecutor in charge of pursuing mortgage fraud allegations against New York Attorney General Letitia James resigned Friday after President Donald Trump said he no longer wanted him to serve in the position.

Erik S. Siebert, the acting U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia, announced he was stepping down in an email to colleagues that was obtained by NBC News.

"This evening, I submitted my resignation as Interim US Attorney for EDVA. For the last eight months, I have had the pleasure of leading the finest and most exceptional of DOJ employees, who care deeply about our nation and our EDVA community," he wrote, referring to the Eastern District of Virginia.

Erik Siebert, then-interim U.S. Attorney for the eastern district of Virginia, speaks as Attorney General Pam Bondi, right, and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, left, listen during a news conference at the Manassas FBI Field Office, in Manassas, Va., on March 27, 2025.Rod Lamkey / AP fileTrump on Friday unleashed an attack on Siebert, who was tasked with pursuing mortgage fraud charges against James, a longtime Trump foe.

“I want him out,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked if he wanted Siebert to be fired.