Trump Selects James McDonald as US Attorney for Southern ​District ⁠of New York

The U.S. attorney in Manhattan oversees a vast portfolio, ranging from terrorism and espionage cases to security fraud and public corruption.

The U.S. Department of Justice in Washington on April 27, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times

President ​Donald Trump ‌on June 13 said ​he intends to appoint James McDonald as the next ​U.S. ​attorney ⁠for the ​Southern ​District ⁠of New York—one of the most powerful prosecutorial offices in the country.

McDonald would replace Jay Clayton, whom the president nominated on June 11 for director of national intelligence. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said the chamber will “move quickly” to confirm Clayton.