Federal Judge Rules Bill Essayli Unlawfully Serving as U.S. Attorney

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, creating immediate implications for the Trump administration’s legal framework. The decision was issued by Judge J. Michael Seabright of the Federal District Court in Hawaii on October 29, 2025, raising questions about the legitimacy of appointments without Senate approval.

In a surprising move, Judge Seabright declared, “Essayli unlawfully assumed the role of Acting United States Attorney for the Central District of California.” This ruling comes after motions were filed by defendants seeking to dismiss indictments, claiming that the appointments were invalid. While the judge disqualified Essayli from continuing in his role, he may still perform duties as the first assistant U.S. attorney, leaving some ambiguity in the situation.

Essayli, who was originally appointed by the Trump administration and sworn in on April 2, 2025, had been serving under the interim designation for a total of 120 days. As his term was nearing its end, Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed him as a special attorney, effective upon his resignation as interim U.S. attorney. However, Judge Seabright ruled that this appointment violated the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, which limits the duration of temporary appointments without congressional oversight.

In response to the ruling, Essayli stated, “For those who didn’t read the entire order, nothing is changing. I continue serving as the top federal prosecutor in the Central District of California.” This defiance underscores the ongoing tension surrounding authority and appointments within the federal government.

The implications of this ruling extend beyond Essayli. It aligns with recent judicial decisions that challenge the Trump administration’s approach to appointing individuals to significant roles without proper approval. In August, another federal judge ruled that Alina Habba, a former personal lawyer to Trump, was unlawfully serving as acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey after her interim term expired. Last month, Judge Seabright also found that Sigal Chattah had served unlawfully as Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada, marking a troubling trend for the administration.

Despite the ruling regarding Essayli, Judge Seabright denied the request from the three defendants to dismiss their indictments, stating that “the prosecutions remain valid.” This ruling preserves the integrity of ongoing legal proceedings, even as it questions the legitimacy of those in power.

As this story develops, the legal community and political analysts will be watching closely. The outcome of this ruling could have lasting effects on the legitimacy of appointments across the federal landscape. With ongoing appeals expected, the tension between judicial authority and executive power is set to intensify.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story evolves. The implications of this ruling are significant, not just for those involved, but for the broader questions of governance and accountability within the federal system.