Federal Judge Rules Bill Essayli’s Appointment as Top Los Angeles Prosecutor Invalid

POLICY WIRE — Los Angeles, USA — A federal judge issued a ruling on Tuesday declaring that Republican Bill Essayli is not legally authorized to serve as the top federal prosecutor in Los Angeles.

The decision marks a significant setback for the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to install handpicked acting U.S. attorneys while bypassing the standard U.S. Senate confirmation process. U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright stated that Essayli is currently operating as an unlawful, de facto United States Attorney.

The court’s order is currently paused pending a decision on the government’s motion for a stay during the appeals process. In a formal statement, Essayli expressed disagreement with the ruling, asserting that the president and the Attorney General maintain the authority to select Justice Department supervisors. He added that he expects the matter to eventually reach the Supreme Court and intends to remain in his position until that time.

Essayli, a former state lawmaker, was initially appointed by the administration last year to lead the Central District of California. Following the expiration of the 120-day limit for acting appointments, then-Attorney General Pam Bondi designated him as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney. Judge Seabright noted that this appointment mirrors the structure of a similar case involving Sigal Chattah in Nevada, which the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals previously deemed unlawful.

Despite a revised designation order from U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche intended to adjust his responsibilities, the court found no material difference between Essayli’s current status and the appointment previously struck down by the appeals court. This ruling follows a series of similar judicial challenges across the country regarding the administration’s use of interim appointments for federal prosecutors.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)