Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 13
Trump Nominates James McDonald to Lead SDNY After Jay Clayton Shifted to DNI
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 13

Trump Nominates James McDonald to Lead SDNY After Jay Clayton Shifted to DNI

3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 13

Summary

  • James M. McDonald, a former SDNY prosecutor and Sullivan & Cromwell partner, was tapped Saturday to become U.S. attorney in Manhattan, replacing Jay Clayton.
  • Clayton’s move opened after Trump nominated him this week to serve as director of national intelligence, a post under pressure from Congress to get a permanent replacement.
  • McDonald previously represented Trump in the appeal of his 34-count Manhattan hush-money conviction and last month helped win dismissal of a fraud and conspiracy case against Gautam Adani.
  • If confirmed, McDonald would take over one of the Justice Department’s most powerful offices, handling cases from terrorism and espionage to securities fraud and public corruption.

Insights

How will a nominee with a financial law background adapt to leading the nation's complex intelligence community?
When a nominee has defended the President, how is prosecutorial independence ensured in a top federal legal post?
What are the implications of a rule shielding federal attorneys from independent state bar oversight?