Trump Picks James McDonald as Manhattan US Attorney, June 21

President Trump nominated James McDonald to serve as US Attorney for the Southern District of New York on June 13. McDonald, a Sullivan & Cromwell partner and former assistant US attorney, will oversee major terrorism cases and federal prosecutions in Manhattan. Trump then delayed Jay Clayton’s confirmation hearing for intelligence director until McDonald wins Senate approval, linking the move to disputes over surveillance law renewal and voting legislation.

Who Is James McDonald and What Does He Do

McDonald is a senior partner at Sullivan & Cromwell and previously served as an assistant US attorney in the Southern District of New York. He also ran enforcement at the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission during Trump’s first term and clerked for Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. The Southern District of New York role handles major terrorism cases and federal prosecutions across Manhattan and surrounding areas.

Why Trump Delayed Clayton’s Intelligence Hearing

On June 17, Trump cancelled Jay Clayton’s scheduled Senate confirmation hearing for director of national intelligence. Trump stated he would not advance Clayton’s nomination until McDonald wins Senate approval as Manhattan US attorney. Trump linked the delay to a dispute over Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act renewal and his push for Congress to pass voting security legislation. Trump blamed Democrats for backing away from a deal on surveillance law and voting measures.

The Standoff Over FISA and Voting Bills

Trump said Republicans agreed to remove acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte in exchange for Democratic support on FISA renewal. However, Trump claimed Democrats broke the agreement and now plan to vote against FISA. Trump stated he will not support FISA renewal unless Congress also passes his voting security bill. Prosecutors in the Manhattan office reacted with relief to McDonald’s nomination, viewing him as preferable to other potential candidates.

What Comes Next

McDonald now faces Senate confirmation. Clayton remains US Attorney for the Southern District while awaiting his own confirmation vote for intelligence director. The timing of both confirmations remains uncertain pending Senate action on McDonald’s nomination and ongoing negotiations over FISA and voting legislation.

Final Thoughts

Trump’s nomination of McDonald as Manhattan US attorney ties two major confirmations together, creating leverage over Congress on voting and surveillance law. The move delays intelligence leadership decisions while negotiations continue on FISA renewal.

FAQs

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.