US President Donald Trump fires Acting Attorney General Sally Yates

Washington : US President Donald Trump on Tuesday fired acting Attorney-General Sally Yates over her refusal to act in accordance with his words over travel ban on Muslims, also accusing her of "betraying the Department of Justice".

Ms Yates had claimed to stand against the decision of imposing travel ban on Muslims, saying it is "unlawful".

"I am responsible for ensuring that the positions we take in court remain consistent with this institution's solemn obligation to always seek justice and stand for what is right," Ms Yates said.

"At present, I am not convinced that the defence of the executive order is consistent with these responsibilities, nor am I convinced that the executive order is lawful."

White House later released a statement saying that Mr Donald Trump has "relieved Ms Yates of her duties" for "betraying the Department of Justice".

"The Acting Attorney-General, Sally Yates has betrayed the Department of Justice by refusing to enforce a legal order to protect citizens of the United States," the statement read.