Trump Taps James M. McDonald as U.S. Attorney for Southern District of New York

President Donald Trump announced Saturday his intention to appoint James M. McDonald as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. This influential position, overseeing one of the Justice Department's most prestigious prosecution offices, became available after Trump nominated the current officeholder, Jay Clayton, to be director of national intelligence.

McDonald, a former federal prosecutor within the very office he is slated to lead, brings a diverse background to the role. During Trump's first term, he served as a financial regulator and also held a position in the White House counsel's office under President George W. Bush's administration. He is currently a partner at the law firm Sullivan & Cromwell.

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I am confident that Jamie will deliver strong results for our Country.

Adding a layer of complexity, McDonald is part of the legal team representing Trump in his ongoing appeal of felony convictions. These convictions stem from hush money payments made to adult film actor Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election. McDonald was also involved in a case where the Trump administration's Justice Department dropped a fraud and conspiracy case against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, which had been initiated under the Biden administration.

Trump expressed confidence in McDonald's ability to "deliver strong results for our Country" via his Truth Social platform. A spokesperson for the U.S. attorney's office in Manhattan welcomed the choice, stating that Mr. McDonald is "widely respected." The announcement follows increased pressure on Congress to name a permanent replacement for the director of national intelligence.

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welcomes the President's choice to lead the SDNY. Mr. McDonald is widely respected.