The Trump administration has taken steps to extend Bill Essayli’s term as U.S. attorney for the Central District of California without Senate confirmation. By using the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, Essayli can serve as acting U.S. attorney for up to two and a half years. This move allows him to continue leading the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles, as reported by the Daily Journal.
The decision to extend Essayli’s term comes amid controversy. Shortly after the announcement, federal prosecutors moved to dismiss charges in two high-profile cases. One case involved Andrew Wiederhorn, former CEO of the company that owns Fatburger and Johnny Rockets, who was accused of a $47 million “sham loan” scheme. The other case involved L.A. County sheriff’s deputy Trevor Kirk, convicted of excessive force in 2023. Both cases had drawn significant attention during Essayli’s tenure, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The Trump administration’s use of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act to keep Essayli in power is part of a broader strategy to bypass Senate opposition to its nominees. Similar tactics have been employed in New York, New Jersey, and Nevada.
The decision to dismiss the charges against Wiederhorn and Kirk has sparked criticism and allegations of political motivation. Adam Schleifer, the assistant U.S. attorney who handled Wiederhorn’s case, was fired shortly before Essayli’s initial appointment, allegedly due to his prosecution of Wiederhorn, a Trump donor. Wiederhorn’s attorney, Nicola T. Hanna, expressed gratitude for the dismissal, stating, “We are extremely grateful that the U.S. Attorney’s Office listened to our arguments.”
Despite the controversies, Essayli’s term as acting U.S. attorney has been extended for another 210 days, allowing him to remain in his position without Senate confirmation or judicial appointment.
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