Trump Fires Acting Attorney General Who Defied Him On Immigration Ban

Acting Attorney General of the United States Sally Yates - appointed by former President Barack Obama - was fired by US President Donald Trump on Monday. She had ordered the Justice Department to not defend Trump’s executive order banning entry of visitors and refugees from seven Muslim-majority nations.

“I am not convinced that the defence of the Executive Order is consistent with these responsibilities nor am I convinced that the Executive Order is lawful,” Yates said, adding that the Justice Department will “not present arguments in defence of the Executive Order”.

The White House in its statement said she is "weak on borders and very weak on illegal immigration. The acting attorney general, Sally Yates, has betrayed the Department of Justice by refusing to enforce a legal order designed to protect the citizens of the United States," the White House statement read.

President Trump has appointed Dana Boente, US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, to serve as Acting Attorney General until Senator Jeff Sessions is finally confirmed by the Senate. Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary and Communications Director, informed about the decision on Twitter.

The new Acting Attorney General, in a statement given to media, seemed to say he will defend executive order on immigration. “I am honored to serve President Trump in this role until Senator Sessions is confirmed. I will defend and enforce the laws of our country to ensure that our people and our nation are protected,” Boente said. Boente, according to US media, was a part of Hillary Clinton email investigation.