Trending Now - Federal Judges Reject Extension for Milwaukee Interim US Attorney

WHO:

Brad Schimel, interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin

Pam Bondi, U.S. Attorney General

President Trump

Tammy Baldwin, U.S. Senator from Wisconsin

Hannah Dugan, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge

WHAT:

Federal judges in Milwaukee declined to extend Brad Schimel's appointment as interim U.S. Attorney beyond March 17, 2026.

Schimel was appointed for a 120-day term in November 2025.

Schimel oversaw the prosecution of Judge Hannah Dugan, who was found guilty of obstruction in December 2025.

WHERE:

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Eastern District of Wisconsin

WHEN:

Schimel's appointment began in November 2025.

Schimel's term is set to expire on March 17, 2026.

Dugan was charged in April 2025 and found guilty in December 2025.

WHY:

The judges decided not to extend Schimel's term to await a nominee from President Trump to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Senator Tammy Baldwin opposed extending Schimel's interim appointment, citing concerns about loyalty to the president over the rule of law.

HOW:

Federal law allows judges to extend an interim U.S. Attorney's appointment until a permanent appointee is confirmed.

Schimel's appointment was valid for 120 days because it did not go through the U.S. Senate for approval.

(UPDATED March 11, 2026 11:12 UTC)

In a significant development today, federal judges in Milwaukee have declined to extend Brad Schimel's appointment as interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin beyond March 17, 2026. Schimel, who was appointed for a 120-day term in November 2025, oversaw the prosecution of Judge Hannah Dugan, found guilty of obstruction last December. The judges made this decision to await a nominee from Trump, with Senator Tammy Baldwin opposing the extension due to concerns about loyalty to the president over the rule of law.