From Politico: The Justice Department’s top prosecutor in Los Angeles has been illegally serving in the role since July, a federal judge ruled Tuesday.
Bill Essayli, Trump’s pick in April to temporarily lead the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, should have departed the post by July 31 under a 120-day limit imposed by federal law, U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright concluded.
An unusual maneuver by Attorney General Pam Bondi to extend Essayli’s tenure into 2026 violated federal appointment laws, the Hawaii-based George W. Bush appointee ruled.
“Simply stated: Essayli unlawfully assumed the role of Acting United States Attorney for the Central District of California,” Seabright concluded. “Essayli may not perform the functions and duties of the United States Attorney … He is disqualified from serving in that role.”
Essayli responded in a social media post Tuesday night, writing, “For those who didn’t read the entire order, nothing is changing. I continue serving as the top federal prosecutor in the Central District of California. It’s an honor and privilege to serve President Trump and Attorney General Bondi, and I look forward to advancing their agenda for the American People.”
He shared a copy of pages 50 and 51 from the ruling, which appears to allow some exceptions.
For those who didn’t read the entire order, nothing is changing. I continue serving as the top federal prosecutor in the Central District of California. It ‘s an honor and privilege to serve President Trump and Attorney General Bondi, and I look forward to advancing their agenda… pic.twitter.com/0T7AILbLi1
— Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) October 29, 2025
Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) snarled, ““Unlawfully serving” in his role. Acting illegally. But left in place? While this Administration continues to replace career professionals with illegitimate political allies eager to do Trump’s bidding, Californians need better relief than this.
“Unlawfully serving” in his role.
Acting illegally.
But left in place?
While this Administration continues to replace career professionals with illegitimate political allies eager to do Trump’s bidding, Californians need better relief than this. https://t.co/Y1ChtV1yVS
— Adam Schiff (@SenAdamSchiff) October 29, 2025
Essayli fired back at Schiff, “I do the American People’s bidding at the direction of their duly elected President. That’s how our Constitution works. Try reading and abiding by it sometime.”
I do the American People’s bidding at the direction of their duly elected President. That’s how our Constitution works. Try reading and abiding by it sometime. https://t.co/F0XyuJG6gT
— Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) October 29, 2025
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