News Summary
Todd Gilbert has unexpectedly resigned from his position as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, just over a month after his appointment. His tenure raised questions about his brief time in office, which was marked by significant legal actions against corporations. Robert Tracci has been appointed as the acting U.S. Attorney following Gilbert’s resignation, as the reasons behind his sudden departure remain undisclosed. This event has sparked speculation about its implications for ongoing legal cases in Virginia.
Virginia – Todd Gilbert has resigned as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia effective Wednesday at 5 p.m., just over a month after his confirmation for the role. Gilbert’s resignation comes as a surprise, following his nomination by former President Donald Trump and subsequent appointment on an interim basis by Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Having been sworn into office on July 14, 2025, Gilbert’s tenure has been notably brief, raising questions among legal professionals and the public alike. In response to Gilbert’s departure, Robert Tracci, who served as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney, has been appointed as the acting U.S. Attorney.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice have not disclosed the reasons behind Gilbert’s sudden resignation, leaving much speculation in its wake. Notably, Gilbert’s nomination received support from Virginia’s Democratic U.S. Senators, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, who had recommended both Gilbert and Tracci to the former President. This backing gave Gilbert’s appointment political weight, yet it was not sufficient to secure a long-term role.
Gilbert’s district, which encompasses territories including Charlottesville and the scenic Shenandoah Valley, has developed a reputation for aggressive legal actions against significant corporations, including high-profile cases against Purdue Pharma and McKinsey & Co. His leadership role was set against the backdrop of active prosecutions within the rural Western District, which is known for its strong approach towards corporate accountability.
Legal experts have characterized Gilbert’s resignation as extraordinary, with some calling it potentially unprecedented in the context of a newly appointed U.S. Attorney. This sentiment underscores the unusual nature of his rapid departure from such a prominent position in federal law enforcement.
Prior to assuming the role of U.S. Attorney, Gilbert had a long-standing political career, serving nearly 20 years in the Virginia House of Delegates and holding the position of Speaker from 2022 to 2024. His commitment to public service was evident, as he expressed pride and excitement at taking on the responsibilities that come with being the chief federal law enforcement officer for the district.
Interestingly, during his brief stint in office, Gilbert engaged with the public on social media, even sharing an internet meme that seemingly alluded to his sudden resignation, hinting at a sense of humor amidst the serious nature of his role.
Robert Tracci, now serving as the acting U.S. Attorney, previously worked closely with Gilbert as his top deputy. Tracci’s experience as a senior aide to Virginia’s attorney general adds to his credentials as he steps into this acting position. The transition in leadership comes at a critical time for the Western District, which has built a reputation for its vigorous legal actions and commitment to upholding federal laws.
As the dust settles on this unexpected leadership change, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has so far remained silent on whether the Trump administration will retract Gilbert’s nomination following his abrupt resignation. The implications of this resignation for ongoing cases and future prosecutions remain to be seen, but it undoubtedly marks a significant moment in the legal landscape of Virginia.
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Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
