The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals determined that Sigal Chattah, selected by the Trump administration to serve as U.S. attorney in Nevada, held the position without legal authority. The ruling represents a continuation of judicial challenges to the administration’s approach of extending tenures of federal prosecutors beyond the 120-day statutory limit typically allowed for interim appointments, a method designed to circumvent Senate confirmation requirements.
Chattah was initially appointed to the interim role in 2025 but never received Senate confirmation, facing opposition from Nevada’s Democratic senators who cited concerns about her background and public statements. The administration had sought to maintain her position through various mechanisms, including her appointment as first assistant U.S. attorney after her interim term was set to expire in July 2025. The White House nominated George Kelesis, a Las Vegas-based attorney with expertise in tax law, as a replacement in February, signaling doubt about Chattah’s ability to continue permanently in the role.
The appeals court decision paralleled similar challenges to comparable appointments elsewhere. The administration attempted identical maneuvers for prosecutors in California and New Jersey, with courts rejecting those efforts. In New Jersey, the appointee resigned following an adverse appeals court ruling. In California, a similar appointment arrangement remains in place despite legal challenges.
Four individuals indicted by Chattah’s office brought legal action, arguing her authority to prosecute their cases was invalid due to her unlawful appointment. A federal district judge disqualified Chattah from those cases but paused the ruling pending the appeals process, allowing her to continue serving in a limited capacity while the appeals proceeded. The administration has argued Chattah could continue serving under specified circumstances, though the appeals court decision cuts against that position.
Kelesis is currently undergoing Senate review, with Nevada’s Democratic senators assessing his nomination. He has been practicing law in Nevada since 1981 and holds the position of president of the Nevada Tax Commission.
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