Federal judge disqualifies Trump-appointed prosecutor Bill Essayli for 'unlawfully serving' in role

A federal judge on Tuesday ruled that Bill Essayli, the top federal prosecutor in southern California, was "unlawfully serving" in his role. 

The ruling disqualifies Essayli from overseeing two criminal prosecutions, The Guardian reported. 

Essayli, a former Republican state lawmaker, became interim U.S. attorney in April 2024. President Donald Trump didn't formally nominate him, and he continued to lead the U.S. attorney's office without going through the standard confirmation process. 

After his interim appointment ended last July, the Trump administration granted him an "acting" title, and he continued service as "first assistant," after a judge ruled he was serving unlawfully as U.S. attorney. 

In August, a federal appellate court ruled against a Nevada justice department leader in a similar case. On Tuesday, this higher court's ruling was cited by Michael Seabright, who is overseeing Essayli’s case. 

Seabright issued another order, declaring that Essayli was serving unlawfully, even with the designations of "special attorney" and "first assistant." Therefore, Seabright ruled, Essayli could not supervise two ongoing prosecutions, where defense attorneys had challenged his position. 

In a statement, Essayli said he "respectfully" disagreed with the ruling, arguing that the president and attorney general have "every right to select supervisors within the Justice Department."