MADISON, Wis. — U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has appointed Brad Schimel to the role of first assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, allowing him to continue managing cases despite a recent decision that did not extend his interim term as U.S. attorney. This move reflects a growing trend across the United States, where numerous federal judicial districts remain headed by interim officials due to delays in confirmation votes for appointees made by President Donald Trump.
Schimel, who was appointed as interim U.S. attorney in November, has expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Eastern District of Wisconsin, pledging to work tirelessly to improve safety and strengthen the community. The decision to keep him on in a different capacity comes as federal judges in the district opted not to extend his interim position.
Currently, a significant number of U.S. attorney offices across the country are being run by acting or first assistant attorneys while Senate confirmations lag. Only about 30 out of 94 districts have a fully confirmed U.S. attorney following presidential nomination.
Schimel's professional background includes serving as Wisconsin's attorney general and a district attorney in Waukesha County. Although he has faced political challenges, including a loss in a bid for the state Supreme Court, he is now positioned to influence legal proceedings in Milwaukee once again. However, this move has drawn contrasting views; U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin has voiced opposition on the grounds of partisanship, while Republican Sen. Ron Johnson has called the judges' decision not to extend his role 'bizarre.' As Schimel transitions into this new role, it underscores the complexities of federal appointments in a politically charged environment.
