Trump fires attorney general for defying his travel ban

Acting US Attorney General Sally Yates was fired after she released a letter indicating her refusal to defend President Trump’s executive order banning immigration because she is not convinced it is lawful. In a statement, the White House said that Yates “betrayed the Department of Justice” and was “weak on borders” and said she was being replaced by Dana Boente, the US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. Boente moved quickly to rescind the guidance in Yates’ letter, directing staffers “to do our sworn duty and to defend the lawful orders of our President.”

At present, 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.

Former U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates, in a letter

Trump’s order, which went into effect on Friday, affects immigration from seven countries that have predominantly Muslim populations, temporarily bans certain travellers and places indefinite restrictions on Syrian refugees. The order sparked protests at airports across the US and worldwide.