Trump-Backed Wisconsin Judge Schimel Ousted as Interim U.S. Attorney

Court declines to extend Schimel's tenure as interim U.S. Attorney for Eastern District of Wisconsin

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:25am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Brad Schimel, a Wisconsin judge who has echoed former President Trump's false claims about elections and attended his campaign rallies, will not remain as the interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin past March 17. A majority of the court's judges decided not to extend Schimel's temporary tenure, though they stated this was not a reflection on his performance or qualifications.

Why it matters

Schimel's ouster is the latest in a series of controversies surrounding the Trump administration's appointments of interim U.S. Attorneys, several of whom have been found by courts to be unlawfully serving in those roles. The decision highlights concerns about political appointees undermining the independence and integrity of the Department of Justice.

The details

In declining to extend Schimel's tenure, the court said it 'intends no criticism or commentary on the performance or qualifications of the Interim United States Attorney or any of the attorneys in the United States Attorney's Office.' However, Schimel has been a vocal supporter of Trump, echoing his false claims about election fraud and attending his campaign rallies. The court is now awaiting the nomination and confirmation of a full-time U.S. Attorney for the district by the President and Senate.

  • Schimel was appointed as interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
  • On March 17, 2026, Schimel's tenure as interim U.S. Attorney will end.

The players

Brad Schimel

A Wisconsin judge who was serving as the interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, but was ousted from that role by a majority of the court's judges.

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

The federal court that decided not to extend Schimel's tenure as interim U.S. Attorney, stating it was not a reflection on his performance or qualifications.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“To the credit of that office, from the Court's perspective, it has continued to represent the citizens of this district well. The Court awaits the nomination and confirmation of a full-time United States Attorney by the President and United States Senate.”

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

What’s next

The court is now awaiting the nomination and confirmation of a full-time U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin by the President and Senate.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about political interference in the Department of Justice, as the Trump administration has faced criticism for appointing interim U.S. Attorneys who have been found by courts to be unlawfully serving in those roles.