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9th Circuit Upholds Chattah Disqualification, Justice Department Appeals

8/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A three-judge 9th U.S. Circuit panel upheld the order disqualifying Sigal Chattah as Nevada’s acting U.S. attorney.
The judges ruled that the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998 allows automatic succession only if the first assistant already held that position when the vacancy occurred.
The Justice Department said it will appeal to the Supreme Court, a setback for its effort to place prosecutors aligned with President Donald Trump’s agenda.

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Story summary

A three-judge 9th U.S. Circuit panel upheld the order disqualifying Sigal Chattah as Nevada’s acting U.S. attorney.
The judges ruled that the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998 allows automatic succession only if the first assistant already held that position when the vacancy occurred.
The Justice Department said it will appeal to the Supreme Court, a setback for its effort to place prosecutors aligned with President Donald Trump’s agenda.