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A federal judge ruled Tuesday that Bilal Essayli, the acting U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, has been unlawfully serving in the role, saying the Trump administration bypassed Senate confirmation requirements for the nation’s largest federal judicial district.
In a 64-page decision, U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright found that Essayli’s appointment violated federal law after he resigned as interim U.S. attorney in July. The district covers seven California counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino.
“Essayli may not perform the functions and duties of the United States Attorney as Acting United States Attorney. He is disqualified from serving in that role,” Seabright wrote.
Judge declines to void prosecutions
Seabright’s order stops short of throwing out criminal cases Essayli oversaw, ruling that prosecutions remained valid because other government attorneys were listed as signatories on filings.
“They were lawfully signed by other attorneys for the government and there has been no showing of due process violations or other irregularities,” Seabright wrote.
The judge clarified that Essayli may continue serving as First Assistant U.S. Attorney, allowing him to perform certain duties short of the top prosecutor role.
Essayli downplays ruling
Essayli appeared to dismiss the decision’s impact, writing Tuesday night on X that “nothing is changing.”
“I continue serving as the top federal prosecutor in the Central District of California,” he wrote. “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.”
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Broader pattern of disputed appointments
The ruling marks another setback for the Trump administration, which has faced multiple court challenges over its efforts to circumvent the 120-day limit on interim U.S. attorney appointments without Senate confirmation.
Last month, a federal judge in Nevada ruled that Sigal Chattah, the state’s acting U.S. attorney, was also unlawfully appointed, though that decision is on hold pending appeal.
Similarly, in August, a court found that Alina Habba, then-acting U.S. attorney in New Jersey and a former Trump lawyer, was serving in violation of the law. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments in that case last week.
Next month, another challenge will test the appointment of Lindsey Halligan, Trump’s pick to lead the Eastern District of Virginia, where she signed indictments against New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty and characterized the cases as politically motivated retribution.
The latest ruling adds to the mounting legal scrutiny over the Trump administration’s handling of Justice Department appointments, which critics say undermine Senate oversight and the independence of federal prosecutors.
