Trump Names Personal Lawyer for Key Manhattan US Attorney Post

President Donald Trump said Saturday he will appoint James M. McDonald, a personal lawyer handling his hush money appeal, as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. McDonald replaces Jay Clayton, whom Trump has tapped for director of national intelligence.

McDonald, currently a partner at Sullivan & Cromwell, is a former federal prosecutor who served in the White House counsel's office under President George W. Bush. He also served as director of enforcement at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission during Trump's first term.

The Southern District of New York is one of the most influential prosecution offices in the Justice Department. Its portfolio covers securities fraud, public corruption, terrorism and espionage cases. McDonald's role as a defense lawyer for Trump and Indian billionaire Gautam Adani gives him experience on both sides of criminal investigations. He was part of the legal team that last month secured a favorable outcome for Adani after the Trump administration dropped a fraud case brought under the Biden administration.

Trump posted on Truth Social: "I am confident that Jamie will deliver strong results for our Country." Nicholas Biase, a spokesperson for the U.S. attorney's office in Manhattan, said the office "welcomes the President's choice to lead the SDNY. Mr. McDonald is widely respected."

The nomination comes as pressure from Congress mounted to name a permanent intelligence director after Tulsi Gabbard resigned last month. McDonald's appointment requires Senate confirmation.