Judges Decline to Extend Interim U.S. Attorney's Term in Wisconsin

Brad Schimel's temporary appointment will expire on March 17 as the court awaits a permanent nomination.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin has announced that it will not extend the temporary term of interim U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel, who was appointed by President Trump. Schimel's appointment will expire on March 17, and the court says it is waiting for the President and Senate to nominate and confirm a permanent U.S. Attorney for the district.

Why it matters

This decision highlights the ongoing tug-of-war between the Trump administration and the judiciary over who has the authority to fill critical U.S. Attorney positions, as Senate confirmations have stalled for some of Trump's nominees. Courts have previously ruled against the administration's attempts to keep interim U.S. Attorneys in their roles beyond the 120-day temporary term.

The details

The court emphasized that its decision not to extend Schimel's term was not a reflection on his performance or qualifications, stating that his office has 'continued to represent the citizens of this district well.' However, the court said it is waiting for the President to nominate and the Senate to confirm a permanent U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.

  • Schimel's temporary appointment as interim U.S. Attorney will expire on March 17, 2026.

The players

Brad Schimel

The interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, whose temporary term will not be extended by the court.

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin

The federal court that declined to extend Schimel's interim appointment, stating it is waiting for the President and Senate to nominate and confirm a permanent U.S. Attorney.

President Trump

The former President who appointed Schimel as interim U.S. Attorney, but has not formally nominated him for the permanent position.

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What’s next

The court says it 'awaits the nomination and confirmation of a full-time United States Attorney by the President and United States Senate' to fill the vacancy.

The takeaway

This decision underscores the ongoing power struggle between the executive and judicial branches over the appointment of U.S. Attorneys, as courts have pushed back against the Trump administration's attempts to keep interim appointees in their roles beyond the legal limits.