Federal judges in Milwaukee have decided not to extend the appointment of interim U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel beyond next week, when his 120-day term expires on March 17. The judges stated that a majority voted against extending the term, opting instead to wait for President Donald Trump and the Senate to nominate and confirm a permanent U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
In a statement, the court emphasised that the decision was not a reflection on Schimel's performance or qualifications. “The Court intends no criticism or commentary on the performance or qualifications of the Interim United States Attorney or any of the attorneys in the United States Attorney's Office,” the judges said, adding that the office has continued to represent the district well.
Schimel, a Republican and former Wisconsin attorney general, was appointed by Attorney General Pam Bondi in November. He previously served as Waukesha County district attorney and as a judge in Waukesha County after losing his 2018 re-election bid for attorney general. Schimel declined to comment on the judges' decision.
During his interim tenure, Schimel oversaw the prosecution of Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan, who was convicted in December of helping an immigrant evade federal immigration officers. Dugan faces up to five years in prison, though her sentencing has not been scheduled as her attorneys seek a new trial.
