Trump announces appointment of James McDonald as prosecutor for Southern District of New York

President Donald Trump announced Saturday that he intends to nominate James McDonald, a lawyer with prior federal prosecution experience, to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY). This move follows the recent announcement that Jay Clayton, the current SDNY chief, will transition to become the Director of National Intelligence.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump highlighted McDonald's background, noting his previous service as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the SDNY and his tenure as director of compliance at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission during Trump's first term. The President also emphasized McDonald's current role as a partner at the law firm Sullivan & Cromwell, his clerkship with Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., and his academic credentials from the University of Virginia School of Law and Harvard.

Trump expressed strong confidence in McDonald's abilities, stating, "I am convinced that Jamie will do an excellent job for our country." He added that McDonald commands respect from law enforcement, the legal community, and the judiciary, and is expected to collaborate effectively with them. The Southern District of New York is known for prosecuting significant cases, including those against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, alleged drug traffickers, and individuals involved in financial misconduct.

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I am convinced that Jamie will do an excellent job for our country, as he has the respect of our patriots in law enforcement, the legal community, and the judiciary, and will collaborate fantastically with them.