Trump Fires Acting Attorney General Who Spoke Out Against Travel Ban

This is a breaking story and will be updated as more information becomes available.WASHINGTON -- Trump fires acting Attorney General Sally Yates after she orders Justice Dept. lawyers to stop defending refugee ban.The Democratic appointee, on Monday directed Justice Department attorneys not to defend President Donald Trump's controversial executive refugee and immigration ban, joining a growing group of administration officials distancing themselves from the new president's order.Her directive was likely to be temporary, given that Sen. Jeff Sessions, Trump's pick for attorney general, will likely move to uphold the president's policy. Sessions is awaiting Senate confirmation.Still, it set up a dramatic standoff between a president and his own Justice Department just days into his tenure."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," Yates wrote in a letter announcing her position. "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."  Continue reading...