U.S. Attorney Gilbert resigns from post

Todd Gilbert, the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Virginia, resigned from the post at 5 p.m. on Aug. 20 after just over five weeks on the job.

Gilbert’s resignation was confirmed by office public affairs specialist Brian McGinn, who told Virginia Lawyers Weekly that first assistant U.S. attorney Robert N. Tracci has assumed the role of acting U.S. attorney.

Nominated by President Donald Trump on July 1, Gilbert was sworn in to the post on an interim basis on July 14. At the time of his resignation, Gilbert was awaiting confirmation by the U.S. Senate to serve on a non-interim basis.

At that time, Gilbert said in a statement to Virginia Lawyers Weekly that he was “honored to be nominated by the president to serve in this important role” and that he looked forward to the Senate confirmation process.

Gilbert could not immediately be reached for comment, and no reason for his departure was given.

Upon being sworn in on July 14, Gilbert resigned from the Virginia House of Delegates, where he served for nearly 20 years. He held leadership roles for the Republicans in the chamber beginning in 2018, including serving as speaker of the House from 2022 to 2024.

Gilbert stepped down as minority leader of the House of Delegates earlier this year in preparation for a potential nomination to the U.S. attorney’s office, with Del. Terry Kilgore, R-Gate City, tapped to replace him.

Prior to joining the Legislature, Gilbert spent 14 years as a prosecutor. Apart from his legislative work, he operated a solo firm in Woodstock specializing in traffic charges and criminal defense.

In April, Virginia Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine recommended Gilbert and Tracci as their two recommended candidates for the Western District vacancy.

Prior to joining the U.S. attorney’s office, Tracci worked as a senior assistant attorney general. He was also previously the Albemarle County Commonwealth’s Attorney and worked as a special assistant U.S. attorney.