Donald Trump has fired the acting US attorney general after she questioned the legality of his immigration ban.

Sally Yates, who had been appointed under Barack Obama, earlier ordered justice department lawyers not to enforce the president’s executive order.

In a statement, the White House said Yates had “betrayed” the department, reports the BBC.

Dana Boente, US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, replaces her as acting attorney general.

Trump’s order temporarily banned nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the US, and sparked street protests in the US and abroad.

In a letter, Yates had said she was “not convinced” that the president’s order was lawful.

“As long as I am the acting attorney general, the department of justice will not present arguments in defence of the Executive Order,” she said.

Within hours, the White House announced: “President Trump relieved Ms Yates of her duties.”

She had “betrayed the department of justice by refusing to enforce a legal order designed to protect the citizens of the United States”, a statement from the press secretary said.

It also labeled her “weak on borders and very weak on illegal immigration.”

Her replacement, Boente, was also appointed by Barack Obama, in 2015. He was confirmed by the US Senate - making him eligible for the appointment while Trump waits for his own nominee to be approved.

Senator Jeff Sessions is awaiting a confirmation hearing for the role later this week.

Meanwhile, hundreds of diplomats and foreign servants have been drafting a “dissent cable” to formally criticize the president’s executive order.

BDST: 1005 HRS, JAN 31, 2017
SR