Sally Yates

Sally Yates, born on August 20, 1960, is a prominent American lawyer known for her significant contributions to the legal landscape of the United States. From 2010 to 2015, she served as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, where she gained recognition for her commitment to justice and integrity.

In 2015, Yates was appointed by President Barack Obama as the United States Deputy Attorney General, a role that placed her at the forefront of national legal issues. Following the inauguration of President Donald Trump, she briefly held the position of acting United States Attorney General for ten days, stepping into a pivotal role during a time of political transition.

Yates made headlines when she was dismissed by Trump on January 30, 2017, after she instructed the Justice Department not to defend Executive Order 13769, which imposed a travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries. Her stance was rooted in her belief that the order was unconstitutional and indefensible in court, a position that ultimately led to her removal from office.

After her dismissal, Yates returned to private practice and continued to be a respected voice in legal circles. She was later considered a candidate for Attorney General in the Biden administration, reflecting her enduring influence and expertise in the field.