By Islam El-Sakka
A federal judge in Los Angeles ruled on Tuesday that Bill Essayli, a Trump-appointed U.S. prosecutor, is not legally serving in the role. The order disqualifies Essayli from overseeing two criminal prosecutions, though it will not take immediate effect as the Department of Justice plans to appeal.
Background on Essayli’s appointment
Essayli, a former Republican state lawmaker and ally of Donald Trump, became interim U.S. attorney in April 2025 without Senate confirmation. After his interim term ended in July, the Trump administration gave him an “acting” title and later a “first assistant” designation to keep him in the post. A federal appellate court ruling in August against a similar arrangement in Nevada prompted the latest decision.
Other political developments
In Texas, Trump held a rally alongside an oil tanker he said carried a million barrels of Venezuelan oil, amid voter discontent over rising fuel prices following U.S. strikes on Iran.
The State Department announced it will issue visas to Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, and his family for entry into the United States.
At a separate event in Lubbock, Texas, Trump criticized Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico for supporting transgender children’s rights in 2023, and falsely claimed gasoline prices are lower than during the Obama administration.
