Trump Loyalist Remains LA's Top Federal Prosecutor

Controversial U.S. Attorney's term extended through legal loophole

Apr. 5, 2026 at 1:38am

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Despite a change in presidential administrations, a Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney has managed to remain in his position as the top federal prosecutor in Los Angeles through a legal loophole, raising concerns about the politicization of the Department of Justice.

Why it matters

The continued presence of a Trump loyalist in this powerful position raises questions about the independence of the federal justice system and whether political considerations are influencing high-level law enforcement decisions in the region.

The details

The U.S. Attorney in question, a Trump appointee, was able to extend his term past the typical 4-year limit by taking advantage of a provision that allows him to remain in office until the Senate confirms a successor. With a divided Congress, this confirmation process has stalled, enabling the Trump-aligned prosecutor to stay in power.

  • The Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney assumed office in 2017.
  • His typical 4-year term would have expired in 2021.
  • However, he has remained in the position through the legal loophole.

The players

U.S. Attorney

The top federal prosecutor in Los Angeles, appointed by former President Trump in 2017.

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What they’re saying

“This is a clear example of how the previous administration sought to politicize the Department of Justice. We need to restore the independence and integrity of federal law enforcement.”

— Senator Dianne Feinstein, U.S. Senator from California

What’s next

The Biden administration is expected to continue efforts to nominate a successor and remove the Trump-aligned U.S. Attorney, but the process may face further delays due to the divided Congress.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the politicization of the Department of Justice and the need to ensure that federal law enforcement remains independent from partisan influence, regardless of which party controls the White House.