{"id":2600121,"date":"2026-05-07T19:34:57","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T23:34:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/doj-lawyer-abhishek-kambli-to-depart-after-defending-trump-executive-orders\/"},"modified":"2026-05-07T19:41:09","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T23:41:09","slug":"doj-lawyer-abhishek-kambli-to-depart-after-defending-trump-executive-orders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/doj-lawyer-abhishek-kambli-to-depart-after-defending-trump-executive-orders\/","title":{"rendered":"DOJ lawyer Abhishek Kambli to depart after defending Trump executive orders"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">22<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fdoj-lawyer-abhishek-kambli-to-depart-after-defending-trump-executive-orders%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2600121&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Abhishek Kambli, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/bidens-doj-is-investigating-an-accidental-death-in-israel-a-watchdog-wants-to-know-why\/\" title=\"Biden\u2019s ... Is Investigating an Accidental Death in Israel. A Watchdog Wants To Know Why.\">deputy associate attorney general<\/a> in the Justice Department who has defended high-profile Trump management policies, is set to leave DOJ at the end of May. His departure will come after he completes oral arguments next Thursday in two major appellate battles over the limits of presidential power-notably involving Trump\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >executive orders affecting major law firms<\/a> and disputes over security clearances.<\/p>\n<p>In the cases, Kambli is expected to argue for the administration as district judges previously blocked portions of the executive actions as likely unconstitutional. he will face veteran D.C. attorneys Paul Clement and Abbe Lowell, representing challengers.<\/p>\n<p>Kambli is also involved in defending DOJ decisions related to revoking national security clearances for attorney mark Zaid, who is linked to the whistleblower complaint that contributed to Trump\u2019s first impeachment. DOJ officials praised Kambli\u2019s record of arguing more than 20 cases and leading litigation across immigration, civil rights, energy, and national security.<\/p>\n<p>His exit also follows broader DOJ efforts to stabilize staffing amid ongoing turnover, including retention and hiring incentives reported in recent coverage.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<article class=\"fn-body\">\n<p>A top <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/department-of-justice\/\">Justice Department<\/a> attorney who has defended some of the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/trump-administration\/\">Trump administration<\/a>\u2019s most politically and legally contentious cases is set to leave the department later this month after facing off against the nation\u2019s most prominent appellate advocates.<\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/4493511\/court-allows-doj-proceed-appeal-law-firm-executive-orders\/\">Abhishek Kambli<\/a>, a deputy associate attorney general who has been working under acting Attorney General <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/todd-blanche\/\">Todd Blanche<\/a> and previously under <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/pam-bondi\/\">Pam Bondi<\/a>, announced Thursday that he will depart the DOJ at the end of May after roughly 15 months. However, his leave will only come after he finishes oral arguments in two major showdowns over President <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/donald-trump\/\">Donald Trump<\/a>\u2019s executive authority.<\/p>\n<section class=\"explore-more-section\" id=\"wex-recommended-widget\">\n<div class=\"magazine-container single\">\n<h1 class=\"magazine-title mt-2\">Recommended Stories<\/h1>\n<p>             <i class=\"fa-solid fa-play icon\"><\/i>         <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-grid\">\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/4559238\/kash-patel-feud-atlantic-coverage-what-to-know\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Kash Patel feuds with the Atlantic over \u2018party boy\u2019 coverage: What to know<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/4558469\/fulton-county-georgia-2020-ballots-fbi-doj\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Judge denies Fulton County bid to retrieve 2020 ballots seized by FBI<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/4557865\/doj-left-wing-fairfax-county-prosecutor-investigation\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>DOJ investigating left-wing Fairfax County prosecutor over alleged unlawful discrimination<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Abhishek Kambli, deputy associate attorney general, argued some of the Trump administration\u2019s highest-profile executive power and immigration cases while helping lead affirmative litigation efforts involving civil rights, energy, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/biden-admin-snubs-gop-leaders-on-new-iran-diplomacy\/\" title=\"Biden Admin Snubs GOP Leaders on New Iran Diplomacy\">national security matters<\/a>. (LinkedIn)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Kambli is scheduled to argue next Thursday before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in a pair of closely watched cases involving Trump\u2019s executive orders targeting major law firms and security clearance disputes. The arguments are expected to test the outer bounds of presidential authority over national security access, federal contracting, and executive branch control.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>Kambli will face off against veteran Washington attorneys <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/2572676\/conservatives-challenge-big-laws-left-wing-tilt\/\">Paul Clement<\/a> and <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/white-house\/3786112\/trump-foes-longtime-washington-lawyer-abbe-lowell-defense\/\">Abbe Lowell<\/a>, both of whom are representing challengers to the administration\u2019s actions.<\/p>\n<p>The administration\u2019s <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/3374209\/trump-big-law-fight-has-defenders-legal-world\/\">battle with Big Law<\/a> stems from Trump executive orders directed at firms including <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.whitehouse.gov\/presidential-actions\/2025\/03\/addressing-risks-from-perkins-coie-llp\/\">Perkins Coie<\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.whitehouse.gov\/presidential-actions\/2025\/03\/addressing-risks-from-jenner-block\/\">Jenner &#038; Block<\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.whitehouse.gov\/presidential-actions\/2025\/03\/addressing-risks-from-wilmerhale\/\">WilmerHale<\/a>, and <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.whitehouse.gov\/presidential-actions\/2025\/04\/addressing-risks-from-susman-godfrey\/\">Susman Godfrey<\/a>. Multiple district judges blocked the orders after finding them likely unconstitutional. The administration has appealed those rulings, arguing the president possesses broad constitutional authority over security clearances and executive branch access.<\/p>\n<p>Kambli is also helping defend the administration\u2019s revocation of security clearances for attorney <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/4435531\/doj-seeks-pause-law-firm-executive-order-cases-pending-decision-mark-zaid-appeal\/\">Mark Zaid<\/a>, a national security lawyer known for representing the whistleblower whose complaint <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/2745757\/trump-whistleblower-lawyer-mark-zaid-should-be-sued-and-maybe-for-treason\/\">helped trigger Trump\u2019s first impeachment.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u201cServing as Deputy Associate Attorney General has been the most rewarding and enjoyable professional experience of my career,\u201d Kambli wrote in a LinkedIn post announcing his departure.<\/p>\n<p>Kambli said he helped lead DOJ litigation efforts involving immigration, energy, and civil rights issues while personally arguing more than 20 cases defending Trump\u2019s agenda \u201con just about every subject matter under the sun.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>DOJ spokeswoman Emily Covington praised Kambli\u2019s work in a statement to the <em>Washington Examiner.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe wish Deputy Associate Attorney General Abhishek Kambli the very best as he concludes his tenure at DOJ,\u201d Covington said. \u201cDuring his time at the Department, he was a go-to advocate for high profile matters defending President Trump\u2019s agenda and personally argued over 20 cases. He had planned to transition back to private practice following his time with government, and we thank him for his service to the country.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Kambli\u2019s departure also comes as DOJ leadership has begun broader efforts to stabilize staffing and recruit attorneys amid persistent turnover across parts of the department. <em>Bloomberg Law<\/em> recently <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/news.bloomberglaw.com\/us-law-week\/us-attorney-pirro-pays-ad-hoc-bonuses-as-senior-prosecutors-exit\">reported<\/a> that DOJ components have begun offering retention incentives and signing bonuses for some positions, including recruitment bonuses reaching as high as $25,000 for new hires.<\/p>\n<p>In an interview, Kambli described the administration\u2019s litigation environment as a job that can be seen as an intense test for DOJ attorneys, citing the sheer number of lawsuits challenging presidential actions, but one that he views as worthwhile to his career.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPeople on the outside don\u2019t appreciate outside the pure volume of lawsuits that the DOJ is handling,\u201d Kambli said, estimating the administration has faced roughly 600 lawsuits pertaining to presidential priorities alone since Trump returned to office.<\/p>\n<p>He said DOJ attorneys are frequently forced to litigate in jurisdictions hostile to the administration while opposing elite legal talent.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re not only handling the high volume, but you\u2019re doing it against the very best litigators on the other side,\u201d Kambli said. \u201cPart of the fun of the job is being tested against the very best on the other side. I don\u2019t prefer the ease of victories. I prefer going on the uphill battle.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Kambli emerged as one of the administration\u2019s lead courtroom defenders after earlier setbacks in the law firm litigation. He replaced another DOJ attorney who left the department after struggling to defend the orders during early hearings.<\/p>\n<p>Kambli argued that much of the litigation surrounding Trump\u2019s executive actions has been driven as much by politics as constitutional interpretation.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe big key is to drown out the political noise that goes on and keep a focus on legal issues,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>Before joining the DOJ, Kambli, who moved to the United States from India at the age of 3, served as a federal prosecutor in Indiana and maintains working as a lawyer for the U.S. Air Force, which has included matters related to military commissions involving one of the Sept. 11 terrorist attack defendants, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/news.bloomberglaw.com\/business-and-practice\/dojs-kambli-entrusted-to-pull-off-win-in-trump-big-law-fight\">according<\/a> to <em>Bloomberg Law<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/4464500\/doj-says-judge-wrong-mark-zaid-clearance-restored\/\">JUDGE OVERSTEPPED BY ORDERING MARK ZAID\u2019S SECURITY CLEARANCE RESTORED: DOJ<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy grandmother was illiterate, and my dad worked at a gas station his whole life,\u201d Kambli told the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em>. \u201cThe prospect, if I stayed in India or somewhere else, of me going where I\u2019ve been going would have been very little, but it wasn\u2019t that way\u201d in the U.S.<\/p>\n<p>Kambli did not disclose his next move but said he was \u201cthrilled for what will be coming next.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A DOJ attorney, Abhishek Kambli, plans to leave after major appeals fights<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2633,"featured_media":2600122,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Blanche-Kambli.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[79295,7076,36548,32603,70890],"class_list":["post-2600121","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-abhishek-kambli","tag-doj","tag-legal-defense","tag-political-news","tag-trump-executive-orders"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Blanche-Kambli.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2600121","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2633"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2600121"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2600121\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2600130,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2600121\/revisions\/2600130"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2600122"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2600121"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2600121"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2600121"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}