Trump announces pick for US Attorney in Southern District of New York

By New York Post (U.S.) | Created at 2026-06-13 20:05:51 | Updated at 2026-06-13 22:46:54 2 hours ago

President Trump announced Saturday he plans to nominate James McDonald as the next US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, a powerhouse role that impacts some of the most prominent terrorism cases across the country.

McDonald previously served as an assistant US attorney and ran enforcement at the Commodities Futures Trading Commission.

Donald Trump speaks to reporters during an Oval Office signing ceremony about restoring commercial fishing access to Pacific Ocean areas.Trump picked the former assistant US Attorney for one of the most high-profile law enforcement jobs in the country. Shawn Thew / Pool via CNP / SplashNews.com

The nomination comes after Trump said he would push the current SDNY chief, Jay Clayton, to be the next Director of National Intelligence – although the move could hinge on objections from Democratic lawmakers over the president’s plan to install Bill Pulte in an “acting” role.

“A native of the Great State of Oklahoma, Jamie is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York, and served as Director of Enforcement at the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission during my First Term,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

McDonald is a senior partner at Sullivan & Cromwell and clerked for Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.

“ I am confident that Jamie will deliver strong results for our Country as the next United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, as he has the respect of, and will work fantastically with, our Law Enforcement Patriots, the Legal Community, and the Judicial Bench. Good luck Jamie, Trump said.
“I have no doubt about your future greatness!”

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