Riverside County Assemblymember Bill Essayli has been appointed as the interim U.S. attorney for Los Angeles and surrounding areas. This announcement was made by California Attorney General Pam Bondi, who noted that Essayli is a notable and sometimes controversial figure in the Republican Party. He will officially take office after being sworn in.
In an email to staff, acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally expressed enthusiasm about Essayli’s return, calling it a "homecoming" since he has previously worked as a prosecutor in the same office. Shortly after the announcement, Essayli submitted his resignation from the California Assembly to accept this new role.
While Essayli will serve as the interim U.S. attorney, he still needs to be nominated by President Trump and confirmed by the Senate for a permanent position. In a statement, Essayli expressed his commitment to uphold the President’s goals of restoring trust in the justice system and addressing those who threaten the nation.
Essayli, who is 39 years old, was elected to the California Assembly in 2022. He has gained attention for his strong stance against what he refers to as "woke" policies in California. His new role as U.S. attorney will put him in charge of the Central District of California, which serves approximately 20 million people across seven counties.
He is known for his support of Trump and has been vocal against COVID-19 restrictions, critical race theory, and policies aimed at protecting LGBTQ+ students. He has particularly focused on parental rights, advocating for laws that would require schools to inform parents if their children identify as transgender or wish to change their names or pronouns.
Essayli’s appointment comes during a time when Trump is actively placing loyalists in key governmental positions, including within the Department of Justice. This move follows recent firings of federal prosecutors in Los Angeles, which have raised concerns about political motivations behind such decisions.
McNally praised Essayli’s dedication to public service and the safety of the district. He highlighted Essayli’s previous experience, including his involvement in high-profile cases such as the San Bernardino terrorist attack.
As he steps into this new role, Essayli’s past political actions and statements will likely continue to be scrutinized, especially given the ongoing debates surrounding education and civil rights in California.