Trump Loyalist Remains L.A.'s Top Federal Prosecutor Through Loophole

Bill Essayli wields power as 'first assistant' despite lacking Senate confirmation.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 11:12am

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Across the country, President Trump has installed handpicked loyalists as top federal prosecutors, but several have been pushed out after legal battles because they lack Senate confirmation to serve as U.S. attorneys. However, in Los Angeles, Bill Essayli wields the power of a top prosecutor under the lesser title of 'first assistant', circumventing the constitutional procedure of having the president nominate and the Senate confirm U.S. attorneys.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about the president's ability to appoint loyalists to powerful positions without the checks and balances of Senate confirmation, which is crucial for maintaining the independence of the justice system.

The details

Bill Essayli, a Trump loyalist, has been serving as the top federal prosecutor in Los Angeles under the title of 'first assistant' despite lacking Senate confirmation as the U.S. attorney. This allows President Trump to install his preferred candidate in a powerful position without going through the constitutional process of nomination and Senate approval.

  • President Trump has been installing handpicked loyalists as top federal prosecutors across the country since taking office in 2017.

The players

Bill Essayli

A Trump loyalist who is serving as the top federal prosecutor in Los Angeles under the title of 'first assistant', circumventing the need for Senate confirmation as the U.S. attorney.

President Trump

The president who has been installing handpicked loyalists as top federal prosecutors across the country, including Bill Essayli in Los Angeles.

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The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over the president's ability to install loyalists in powerful positions without the checks and balances of Senate confirmation, which is crucial for maintaining the independence of the justice system.