Appeals court says Trump-appointed US attorney in Nevada can’t legally serve in the role
Summary
A federal appeals court ruled that Sigal Chattah, appointed by President Trump as the interim U.S. attorney in Nevada, was unlawfully serving in that role. The court said her appointment broke federal law that limits how long someone can serve without Senate approval. The administration named a new nominee, George Kelesis, who must still be confirmed by the Senate.Key Facts
- Sigal Chattah was appointed interim U.S. attorney in Nevada by President Trump in 2025 but never confirmed by the Senate.
- Federal law sets a 120-day limit on acting appointments without Senate approval.
- The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Chattah’s continued service beyond this limit was unlawful.
- Chattah resigned on the day her term was set to expire but was immediately named first assistant U.S. attorney and acting U.S. attorney by the then-Attorney General.
- George Kelesis was nominated by the Trump administration as a replacement but still awaits Senate confirmation.
- Similar court rulings have prevented other Trump-appointed prosecutors from serving beyond the legal time limit without Senate approval.
- Some defendants argued their cases should be dismissed because Chattah was illegally serving as U.S. attorney.
- The Department of Justice appealed a lower court’s ruling that disqualified Chattah from several criminal prosecutions.
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