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Federal Judge Disqualifies Trump-Appointed Attorney Amid Investigations

10/30/2025

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Essayli Disqualified from Cases

A federal judge disqualified acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli from overseeing several cases, ruling he served unlawfully beyond the 120-day limit.
This ruling aligns with previous decisions against other Trump-appointed U.S. attorneys.
Bill Essayli, a former federal prosecutor and California Assemblymember, continues as First Assistant U.S. Attorney.
Former President Donald Trump has increased calls for investigations into his political opponents, including former special counsel Jack Smith.
Jack Smith has indicated he is willing to testify before Congress about his investigations into Trump, which resulted in multiple indictments.

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Prosecutors Placed on Leave

Two Washington, DC, prosecutors were placed on leave after calling the January 6 attack a 'mob of rioters' in a Taylor Taranto memo.
Taranto was pardoned by U.S. President Donald Trump for related charges.
Taranto faces new gun charges after a June 2023 arrest near Obama’s home.
The memo requested a 27-month sentence.
Governor Gavin Newsom has hired Michele Beckwith, an ousted prosecutor.

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Essayli Disqualified from Cases

A federal judge disqualified acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli from overseeing several cases, ruling he served unlawfully beyond the 120-day limit.
This ruling aligns with previous decisions against other Trump-appointed U.S. attorneys.
Bill Essayli, a former federal prosecutor and California Assemblymember, continues as First Assistant U.S. Attorney.
Former President Donald Trump has increased calls for investigations into his political opponents, including former special counsel Jack Smith.
Jack Smith has indicated he is willing to testify before Congress about his investigations into Trump, which resulted in multiple indictments.

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