By Basant El-Faramawy
A federal judge has ruled that Bill Essayli, appointed by President Donald Trump as the top federal prosecutor in Los Angeles, has been serving unlawfully in the role.
Judge rules appointment unlawful
U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright found that Essayli was acting as a “de facto” United States Attorney beyond the 120-day limit for temporary appointments. The judge’s order for Essayli to step aside will not take effect until the court rules on the government’s motion for a stay pending appeal.
Temporary appointment limits
Essayli, 40, a former California state assemblyman, was appointed interim U.S. attorney for the Central District of California in April 2025 by then-Attorney General Pam Bondi. When his 120 days expired in July, Bondi redesignated him as acting attorney, effectively resetting the clock. The administration did not nominate a permanent replacement, leaving Essayli as the top prosecutor in the district.
Appeals court precedent
The ruling follows a Ninth Circuit decision in August that another Trump pick, Sigal Chattah in Nevada, was unlawfully appointed in an identical manner. Judge Seabright found the revised designation for Essayli did not materially differ from the Chattah designation deemed improper by the appeals court.
Reactions and implications
Essayli disagreed with the decision, stating that the president and the attorney general have the right to select supervisors within the Justice Department and that the issue will ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court. Defense lawyer H. Dean Steward called the decision a victory for the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution.
The Trump administration has relied on temporary appointments to avoid Senate confirmation. Several other interim U.S. attorneys, including Alina Habba, John Sarcone, and Lindsey Halligan, have also been found to be serving unlawfully.
