URGENT UPDATE: A federal judge has just ruled that Bill Essayli has been unlawfully serving as the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California since late July. This decision, announced on October 29, 2025, by Judge J. Michael Seabright of the Federal District Court in Hawaii, marks a significant legal setback for the Trump administration.
Judge Seabright stated that Essayli “is not lawfully serving as Acting United States Attorney,” following motions filed by three defendants aiming to dismiss their indictments based on Essayli’s improper appointment. Despite the ruling, Essayli claims he will continue his duties as the first assistant U.S. attorney, asserting, “For those who didn’t read the entire order, nothing is changing.”
The ruling stems from allegations that Essayli’s appointment violated the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, which limits the duration for which individuals can occupy federal roles without Senate confirmation. According to Seabright, Essayli “unlawfully assumed the role of Acting United States Attorney” after resigning from the interim position on July 29, 2025.
This ruling is part of a larger trend challenging the Trump administration’s efforts to fill high-ranking positions without proper congressional approval. Just months earlier, similar rulings were issued against other acting U.S. attorneys, including Alina Habba in New Jersey and Sigal Chattah in Nevada, both declared to be unlawfully serving in their roles.
Despite the disqualification, Judge Seabright denied the defendants’ request to dismiss their charges, emphasizing that “the prosecutions remain valid.” This decision underscores the ongoing legal battles surrounding appointments made during the Trump era.
The implications of this ruling extend beyond individual cases, raising questions about the legitimacy of executive appointments and the adherence to federal regulations. As this story develops, legal experts and political analysts will closely monitor the fallout and potential appeals from the affected parties.
Stay tuned for updates as this situation continues to unfold, with significant ramifications for federal legal processes and administration appointments across the country.
