Story perspectives

Trump Fires Newly Appointed U.S. Attorney Kinsella Immediately

2/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump fired U.S. Attorney Donald T. Kinsella hours after his February 12, 2026 appointment by federal judges in upstate New York.
The administration indicated it would dismiss any prosecutor appointed by district judges.
Kinsella's appointment followed John A. Sarcone III's unlawful tenure, during which he clashed with judges and lacked prosecutorial experience.
The Times Union documented Sarcone's unusual actions before his removal from the press distribution list.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump fired U.S. Attorney Donald T. Kinsella hours after his February 12, 2026 appointment by federal judges in upstate New York.
The administration indicated it would dismiss any prosecutor appointed by district judges.
Kinsella's appointment followed John A. Sarcone III's unlawful tenure, during which he clashed with judges and lacked prosecutorial experience.
The Times Union documented Sarcone's unusual actions before his removal from the press distribution list.