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Trump names James McDonald as new SDNY U.S. Attorney

6/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump announced James McDonald will serve as U.S. Attorney for Southern District of New York (SDNY), succeeding Jay Clayton.
Prosecutors welcomed the pick because it avoids placing an inexperienced Trump loyalist in the SDNY office.
McDonald, a former SDNY assistant U.S. attorney at Sullivan & Cromwell, serves on Trump’s hush-money appeal team while White House has not said if he will be nominated or appointed U.S. attorney.

History

Historical Context

Since its 1789 creation, the Southern District of New York has prized independence, exemplified when President Obama appointed Preet Bharara as U.S. attorney in 2009. Bharara’s office prosecuted nearly 100 Wall Street executives and secured settlements with the four largest banks before Trump dismissed him in 2017. In 2024, Trump’s pick James McDonald, a former SDNY aide, revives concerns about politicizing the district.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump announced James McDonald will serve as U.S. Attorney for Southern District of New York (SDNY), succeeding Jay Clayton.
Prosecutors welcomed the pick because it avoids placing an inexperienced Trump loyalist in the SDNY office.
McDonald, a former SDNY assistant U.S. attorney at Sullivan & Cromwell, serves on Trump’s hush-money appeal team while White House has not said if he will be nominated or appointed U.S. attorney.

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