Bill Essayli has made it clear he has no plans to step down after a federal judge ruled that he was illegally serving as Los Angeles’ top prosecutor. The decision, he said, only confirmed the Trump administration’s power to select the attorneys it wants leading major offices.
“We’re actually quite relieved,” Essayli said in an interview Wednesday. “The judge has made it clear that regardless of my title, I’m cleared to keep running the office. I’m very happy with the outcome.”
U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright, appointed by former President George W. Bush, ruled that Essayli could continue overseeing the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California without Senate confirmation. However, the judge said Essayli could not refer to himself as “acting United States attorney.”
Under federal law, local judges have the authority to appoint another attorney to fill the top role until President Trump’s administration secures Senate confirmation for a nominee. Yet it remains uncertain whether the judges will make that move. Essayli said he does not expect them to intervene, pointing out that they have taken no action since his interim term expired on July 31.
According to Essayli, the decision reinforces the Justice Department’s authority to delegate prosecutorial power. “Ultimately, that’s quibbling about a title, not authority,” he said. He added that he does not expect any operational changes within the office.
Essayli was appointed in April, starting a 120-day window to either gain Senate confirmation or leave office. As the deadline approached, Attorney General Pam Bondi extended his tenure through an unusual administrative maneuver. Judge Seabright ruled that this extension violated federal appointment laws.
Even so, the court decided not to invalidate criminal indictments issued during Essayli’s tenure. Judge Seabright wrote that the charges remain valid because they were signed by other, legally appointed prosecutors within the office. He added that Essayli could continue serving as the top deputy, which effectively keeps him in charge of the office’s daily operations.
The ruling has sparked strong reactions from political leaders across California. Senator Adam Schiff, a vocal Trump critic who has faced potential investigation under the current Justice Department, criticized the decision.
“While this administration continues to replace career professionals with illegitimate political allies eager to do Trump’s bidding, Californians need better relief than this,” Schiff said on X.
Los Angeles Assemblyman Mark González echoed those concerns. He called for cases involving “illegal ICE raids” in the city to be dismissed and accused the Trump administration of undermining democracy. “This is just a typical example of somebody who’s not fit to serve public office and is in his role illegally,” he said.
Support for Essayli, however, remains strong among California Republicans. George Andrews, a spokesperson for the state’s Republican caucus, praised Essayli’s resolve. “He’s fighting for it,” Andrews said. “We’ve been wanting a fighter for years, so this is great.”
Legal experts note that the case highlights ongoing tensions over how temporary federal prosecutors are appointed. Traditionally, interim appointments are limited to 120 days unless extended through formal Senate confirmation. The attorney general can fill vacancies under certain conditions, but such extensions often face legal challenges when viewed as political appointments.
Despite the controversy, Essayli’s control over the Los Angeles office remains intact. He continues to oversee key cases and personnel decisions while the White House considers a permanent nominee.
For now, the ruling leaves the door open for further court challenges or congressional action. Representative Dina Titus of Nevada and other lawmakers have suggested that the Justice Department’s appointment practices could face broader scrutiny.
Essayli insists he will keep focusing on the job at hand. “We’re doing the work we came here to do,” he said. “That won’t change.”
The decision ensures that the Los Angeles office will remain under Essayli’s leadership for the foreseeable future — even if his official title does not reflect it.