Trump fires acting Atty-Gen Yates for defying his travel ban

Acting US Attorney General Sally Yates, a carryover from the Obama administration, was fired Monday after she ordered Justice Department lawyers not to enforce the US President's immigration ban targeting seven Muslim-majority nations. Yates said she was not convinced the ban was lawful and would not defend it in court.

The White House said that she would be replaced by Dana Boente, who is currently US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, until the Senate confirms Senator Jeff Sessions as Attorney General.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer said: "Calling for tougher vetting for individuals traveling from seven dangerous places is not extreme. It is reasonable and necessary to protect our country."