Donald Trump has fired acting Attorney General Sally Yates after she ordered Justice Department lawyers to stop defending the president’s controversial immigration orders. Ms Yates, who was appointed by Mr Obama, said she was “not convinced that the executive order is lawful”.
“I am responsible for ensuring that the positions we take in court remain consistent with this institution’s solemn obligation to always seek justice and stand for what is right,” Ms Yates wrote in a letter to Justice Department lawyers. “At present, I am not convinced that the defence of the executive order is consistent with these responsibilities.”
Mr Trump has named Dana Boente, US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, to serve in her place.The White House press office said in a statement that Yates “has betrayed the Department of Justice by refusing to enforce a legal order designed to protect the citizens of the United States.”The statement called Ms Yates an Obama administration appointee “who is weak on borders and very weak on illegal immigration.”
Ms Yates was due to be replaced by Jeff Sessions, Mr Trump’s pick for attorney general, once his appointment is confirmed by the US senate. Her statement was largely symbolic but highlighted the deep divisions within the US government over the president’s orders.