And, as if that were not enough, Novak essentially says that Halligan doesn't know enough to know how wrong this whole "charade" is. "[I]n light of her inexperience, the Court grants Ms. Halligan the benefit of the doubt and refrains from referring her for further investigation ... at this time."
Novak also orders Halligan, personally, to give the order to Bondi and Blanche.
On the law, it is important to understand just how poorly Novak viewed DOJ's response.
The decisions from Judge Currie on Halligan's appointment in E.D. Va. in Comey/James cases followed an order from the Fourth Circuit's chief judge assigning Currie — outside of E.D. Va. — to resolve the question.
Jan 20, 2026 19:06Interesting point that Judge Novak included:
