Trump Fires Acting AG Who Refused to Defend Immigration Ban

 Hours after President Donald Trump fired acting Attorney General Sally Yates for refusing to back his executive order restricting immigration, her newly installed replacement ordered Department of Justice staffers to "defend the lawful orders of our president."

Trump appointed Dana Boente to serve as acting attorney general until the Senate confirms a full-time choice.  The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to vote Tuesday on the nomination of Senator Jeff Sessions  

"My responsibility is to ensure that the position of the Department of Justice is not only legally defensible, but is informed by our best view of what the law is after consideration of all the facts," Yates said. "In addition, I am responsible for ensuring that the positions we take in court remain consistent with this institution's solemn obligation to always seek justice and stand for what is right."
 
 The White House sharply criticized Yates in a statement announcing her firing, saying she "betrayed the Department of Justice by refusing to enforce a legal order designed to protect the citizens of the United States."

The statement from the press secretary's office said Trump's order was approved "as to form and legality" by the DOJ's Office of Legal Counsel