President Trump fired acting Attorney General
Sally Yates for refusing to defend his controversial executive order on
immigration and refugees.
The White House released a statement, writing
that Yates “betrayed the Department of Justice by refusing to enforce a legal
order designed to protect the citizens of the United States,” after Yates
instructed Justice Department lawyers NOT to make legal arguments defending
Trump’s ban.
“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 wrote in a letter to Justice Department lawyers.
“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.“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 wrote in a letter to Justice Department lawyers.
“At present, I am not convinced that the defense of the executive order is consistent with these responsibilities nor am I convinced that the executive order is lawful,” she added.
Hollywood celebrities were quick to rally to the defense of Yates, with Community actress Yvette Nicole Brown tweeting, “Dear #SallyYates, you are on the right side of history.”
Jessica Chastain, Minnie Driver, Kathy Griffin, Ava DuVernay, Emmy Rossum, Patton Oswalt, Rosie Perez, and Nick Offerman joined the chorus of celebrities tweeting their support for Yates.
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