On February 20, 2026, the United States District Court appointed James W. Hundley as Interim United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, a position that was vacant. The Court exercised its authority under 28 U.S.C. § 546(d), which empowers the district court to “appoint a United States attorney to serve until the vacancy is filled." The United States Constitution expressly provides for this grant of authority in Article II, Section 2, Clause 2, which states in part: “the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment” of officials such as United States Attorneys “in the Courts of Law." Hours later, Deputy Director of Presidential Personnel, Morgan DeWitt Snow, notified Mr. Hundley that he was removed as the judicially-appointed United States Attorney. 

The Court thanks Mr. Hundley for his willingness to return to public service.   His readiness to serve the Eastern District of Virginia and its citizens in this important capacity allowed this vacancy to be filled with a qualified and experienced attorney who knows the Eastern District of Virginia well.