In a strategic move, President Donald Trump stated Saturday that he will be appointing James McDonald as the new U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, stepping in for Jay Clayton.
The Manhattan-based office holds a reputation for tackling significant financial crimes, terrorism, and public corruption cases, often operating with a higher level of independence than other U.S. Attorney offices across the country.
James McDonald, a former assistant U.S. Attorney and enforcement chief at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, has a history with Trump’s legal team, notably during the Stormy Daniels case. His appointment awaits Senate approval.
(With inputs from agencies.)