A Bush-appointed federal judge ruled Tuesday that acting U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bilal “Bill” Essaili was appointed illegally, although Essaili said “nothing is changing.”
Essayli was swore allegiance as U.S. Attorney in April after being appointed by Attorney General Pam Bondi. Judge Seabright ruled in a 64-page ruling that the acting attorney unlawfully assumed his duties after leaving his post as interim U.S. attorney in July, in part because he had not yet been confirmed by the Senate. according to for NBC News.
“Essaili is unable to perform the functions and duties of a United States Attorney as an Acting United States Attorney. He is disqualified from serving in that capacity,” Seabright said.
In a reply late Tuesday evening to X, Essayli wrote“For those who have not read the entire order, nothing changes,” and I publish a photo of a page from the order.
“I [will] to continue serving as the chief federal prosecutor for the Central District of California. [It’s] It is an honor and privilege to serve President Trump and Attorney General Bondi, and I look forward to advancing their agendas for the American people,” Essayli wrote.
According to the order, Seabright said Essaili was “duly appointed as a special prosecutor and appointed” as First Assistant U.S. Attorney (FAUSA) for the Central District, adding that while he “has never lawfully served as an Acting U.S. Attorney,” he will remain a FAUSA. (RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: California rioters are only forcing ICE to 'double down,' Trump prosecutor says)
Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essaily (right) gestures at a press conference announcing an arrest in the Palisades fire investigation on October 8, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
“The court has no reason to prevent Essayli from fulfilling the legal duties of FAUSA. What Under his authority, he could oversee these prosecutions (although he cannot do so as acting U.S. Attorney),” Seabright wrote.
In addition, Seabright refused to dismiss the cases that Essayli helped bring, noting that they were “lawfully signed by other government attorneys” and that “no due process or other irregularities were found” in the prosecution.
Seabright's decision comes as several Trump appointees at the Department of Justice (DOJ) are facing legal challenges over their appointments. Federal judge appointed by Obama rules in August, Alina Habba “illegally” served as acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey.
Hubba was originally appointed serve as interim United States Attorney for March President Donald Trump, and her nomination for the position will become permanent on July 1. During Habba's 120-day appointment, her nomination was more be heard or confirmed by the Senate.
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