In a dramatic development surrounding his controversial immigration ban that targets seven predominantly Muslim nations, President Donald Trump on Tuesday sacked his Acting Attorney General Sally Yates after she defiantly ordered Justice Department lawyers not to defend the President's executive order in courts.
The White House denounced Yates, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, for having "betrayed the Department of Justice by refusing to enforce a legal order designed to protect the citizens of the United States", adding that the ousted official was "weak on borders and very weak on illegal immigration".
Within a matter of hours, Trump named Dana Boente, US Attorney for Eastern District of Virginia, to serve as Acting Attorney General until his nominee for the post, Senator Jeff Sessions, is confirmed by the Senate. In contrast to Yates' stand, Boente said in a statement: "I am honoured 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."
The unexpected revolt by Yates came on a day when President Obama himself voiced his criticism of the controversial Trump order by coming out in support of the ongoing nationwide protests against it. Also on Monday, over 100 State Department diplomats signed a memorandum, arguing that the immigration ban will not deter attacks on American soil but will generate ill-will toward US citizens.
Obama, in what was his first public comment since demitting office just 10 days ago, said through a spokesman that he was "heartened by the level of engagement taking place in communities around the country".
"Citizens exercising their constitutional right to assemble, organize and have their voices heard by their elected officials is exactly what we expect to see when American values are at stake," said the statement put out by Obama's spokesman Kevin lewis.