Federal Judge Invalidates Sigal Chattah’s Role as Acting U.S. Attorney
In a sharp rebuke to the Trump administration’s appointment tactics, a federal judge has disqualified Nevada’s acting U.S. Attorney, Sigal Chattah, from overseeing any federal prosecutions—declaring her appointment unlawful.
Why Was She Disqualified?
Judge David G. Campbell of the Federal District Court in Arizona, temporarily assigned to Nevada, ruled on Tuesday that Chattah was “not validly serving as acting U.S. attorney.” The decision stems from how the Trump administration extended her role beyond the legally permitted 120-day interim period—without Senate confirmation or judicial approval.
Timeline of the Controversial Appointment
- Early 2025: Sigal Chattah appointed as interim U.S. Attorney for Nevada.
- Late July 2025: Trump administration reclassifies her as acting U.S. Attorney to bypass the 120-day limit.
- September 2025: Federal public defenders challenge her authority in four criminal cases.
- October 1, 2025: Judge Campbell rules her appointment unlawful and bars her from supervising prosecutions.
Key Legal Conflict: Circumventing Congressional Rules
Congress established clear procedures for U.S. attorney appointments:
| Appointment Type | Duration | Approval Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Interim | 120 days max | No |
| Acting (via DOJ succession) | Limited by statute | Must follow Vacancies Reform Act |
| Permanent | Indefinite | Yes – Senate or local federal judges |
According to Judge Campbell, the administration’s maneuver “was never intended by Congress” and violated the spirit—and letter—of federal law.
Who Is Sigal Chattah?
Chattah is a prominent Republican activist and former candidate for Nevada Attorney General (2022). As a private attorney, she represented clients seeking to decriminalize harassment of election workers. Recently, she announced plans to “revisit election cases” as Nevada’s top federal prosecutor—a move that raised eyebrows among legal watchdogs.
Nationwide Pattern of Questionable Appointments
Nevada isn’t alone. In August 2025, a federal judge in New Jersey similarly ruled that Alina Habba—another Trump loyalist—was serving unlawfully as acting U.S. Attorney. Both cases highlight a broader strategy by the Trump administration to install political allies in key Justice Department roles without traditional oversight.
What Happens to Ongoing Cases?
While Judge Campbell did not dismiss the four challenged criminal cases (including drug/gun charges against an undocumented immigrant and a felon in possession of a firearm), he ordered all prosecuting attorneys to certify within seven days that they are not being supervised by Chattah.
Defense attorneys argue that any prosecution authorized under her invalid leadership could be legally compromised. Prosecutors counter that no defendant suffered harm, as indictments were signed by career staff—not Chattah herself.
Broader Implications
This ruling comes amid escalating concerns about the politicization of the Justice Department. Recent actions include:
- Indictment of former FBI Director James Comey over career prosecutors’ objections.
- Subpoenas targeting Fani T. Willis, the Georgia DA who charged Trump in 2023.
- Public pressure from Trump to prosecute political foes like NY Attorney General Letitia James and Rep. Adam Schiff.
[INTERNAL_LINK:U.S. Justice Department]
