A federal judge has disqualified President Trump’s Acting US Attorney in Nevada, Sigal Chattah, ruling her appointment invalid. The decision came after legal challenges questioned the process by which Chattah was reappointed as Acting US Attorney following her resignation as Interim US Attorney before her 120-day term expired.
US District Judge David G. Campbell, appointed by former President George W. Bush, issued a 32-page ruling stating that Chattah is “improperly serving” in her current role. According to the judge’s order: “Ms. Chattah is disqualified from supervising these cases or any attorneys in the handling of these cases.” However, Judge Campbell did not dismiss any indictments pending under Chattah’s supervision. He clarified, “Defendants’ motions are denied to the extent they seek dismissal of their indictments.”
The judge also directed that all cases previously overseen by Chattah be reassigned to District Judges in Nevada: “These cases shall be reassigned to the District Judges in Nevada to whom they were originally assigned. The undersigned judge will remain available to handle similar motions filed in other Nevada cases, if warranted.”
This development marks the second time a federal district court judge has removed one of President Trump’s acting U.S. Attorneys on similar grounds. Last month, U.S. District Judge Mathew Brann ruled that Alina Habba was not lawfully holding office as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey after she transitioned from interim to acting status amid controversy over her appointment and subsequent resignation.
Federal judges declined to extend Habba’s interim term after pressure from Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries led to her removal from the post during the summer.
President Trump recently announced plans to file a lawsuit aiming to prevent Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) from blocking Habba’s confirmation for U.S. Attorney of New Jersey due to use of the ‘blue slip’ custom.
