Acting attorney general tells Justice Dept. not to defend Trump's travel ban

The acting attorney general Monday ordered the Justice Department not to defend President Donald Trump's executive order suspending immigration from seven Muslim countries. Sally Yates, who became attorney general following Loretta Lynch's departure at the end of the Obama administration, is likely to be at odds with Trump albeit for a short time. Civil rights and immigrant advocates sued on behalf of individuals affected by the decision, particularly legal permanent residents who suddenly found themselves in limbo at U.S. airports when the order went into effect. "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.’’ Yates is expected to be replaced any day with Trump’s attorney general nominee, Jeff Sessions.