It was unclear who told Siebert he was being removed, what reason was given or who might replace him. Spokespeople for Seibert's office and the Justice Department declined to comment Friday. James' lawyer, Abbe Lowell, told Martin in a letter that the request for James' resignation defied Justice Department standards and codes of professional responsibility and legal ethics. The Justice Department "has firm policies against using investigations and against using prosecutorial power for achieving political ends," Lowell wrote. But the Trump administration has repeatedly disregarded norms and traditions meant to insulate Justice Department prosecutors from White House political influence.