Schimel says he's facing no pressure from Trump, defends new appointment from Pam Bondi

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel discusses role in first interview

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:30pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic interior of a government office or courthouse, with warm sunlight streaming in through the windows and deep shadows enveloping the space, creating a contemplative and nostalgic mood.The political appointment process casts a long shadow over the halls of justice, as tensions simmer over the balance of power.Today in Milwaukee

Brad Schimel, the First Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District, discusses his new appointment from former Attorney General Pam Bondi and denies facing any pressure from President Trump. Schimel defends the process, saying it follows the law, and responds to criticism from Senator Tammy Baldwin.

Why it matters

Schimel's appointment as First Assistant U.S. Attorney has faced scrutiny, with some claiming it is an attempt to skirt the normal process of a presidential nomination and Senate confirmation. The debate highlights tensions over political appointments and the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.

The details

Schimel was appointed to the First Assistant U.S. Attorney role after the interim U.S. Attorney post expired. He says he essentially runs the office, with a few exceptions where the actual U.S. Attorney title is required. Schimel argues this is the process laid out in the law, though critics like Senator Baldwin have accused it of being an improper 'backdoor' maneuver. Schimel says he would welcome a Senate confirmation process to defend his qualifications, but that hasn't happened due to the 'blue slip' process giving senators of the opposite party a veto.

  • Schimel was appointed to the First Assistant U.S. Attorney role after the interim U.S. Attorney post expired.

The players

Brad Schimel

The First Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, who previously ran for the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Pam Bondi

The former Attorney General of Florida, who appointed Schimel to the First Assistant U.S. Attorney role.

Tammy Baldwin

The U.S. Senator from Wisconsin who has criticized Schimel's appointment as an attempt to skirt the normal process.

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What they’re saying

“This process is exactly following the law. When the blue slips don't get returned on any candidates, no one's name gets forwarded to the White House for the nomination. The only other route to go is for the Attorney General to appoint an interim.”

— Brad Schimel, First Assistant U.S. Attorney

“Senator Baldwin has said this appointment is an attempt to skirt the law, and she's criticized this overall process.”

— Matt Smith, Political Director

The takeaway

Schimel's appointment as First Assistant U.S. Attorney has sparked debate over political appointments and the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. While Schimel defends the process as following the law, critics like Senator Baldwin have accused it of being an improper 'backdoor' maneuver, highlighting the ongoing tensions over judicial and prosecutorial nominations.