Court Rules Trump Appointed US Attorney Holds Post Illegally

In a Tuesday ruling, a federal district judge in California ruled that acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli has overstayed his legal tenure.

Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (L) speaks next to Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell during a news conference announcing an arrest made in the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles on Oct. 8, 2025. Damian Dovarganes/AP Photo

Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Central California Bill Essayli on Tuesday was barred by a federal judge from overseeing several criminal cases after the judge ruled that Essayli currently holds the post illegally.

In a ruling, U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright wrote that Essayli has been serving in his role as top prosecutor for the Southern California district unlawfully since July 29.