Trump fires attorney general Sally Yates for “betraying” the DoJ

By
Miranda Wadham
-
donald trump

US President Donald Trump has fired acting attorney general Sally Yates, saying she had “betrayed the Department of Justice” by failing to defend his immigration ban.

The ban on immigration was introduced suddenly over the weekend through an executive order, preventing citizens from seven predominantly Muslim countries to enter the US. It caused havoc at all major US airports and prompted global outrage.

Yates, who was one of several officials remaining from Obama’s administration, instructed justice department lawyers not to defend the order. On Monday, Trump announced that she would be relieved of her duties, in a White House statement which read:

“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. This order was approved as to form and legality by the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel.

Advertisement

“Ms. Yates is an Obama Administration appointee who is weak on borders and very weak on illegal immigration.

“It is time to get serious about protecting our country. Calling for tougher vetting for individuals travelling from seven dangerous places is not extreme. It is reasonable and necessary to protect our country.”
Trump then named Dana Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, to serve as Acting Attorney General until Senator Jeff Sessions is finally confirmed by the Senate.
“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,” said Dana Boente, Acting Attorney General.
Supporters of Yates are hailing her for choosing to follow the constitution over an executive order, whilst critics have compared Trump to Lord Alan Sugar on The Apprentice. The move by Trump is almost unprecedented, and has been likened to the infamous 1973 “Saturday night massacre” when Richard Nixon sacked the special Watergate prosecutor, Archibald Cox, prompting the resignation of Elliot Richardson as attorney general.