Manhattan's chief prosecutor makes surprise exit before new administration
Top Manhattan federal prosecutor sets departure date as presidential transition approaches. Former Trump-era SEC chief nominated as potential replacement for this key justice position
Damian Williams‚ Manhattans chief federal prosecutor announced his upcoming departure from the Southern District of New York office (a position he held since fall 2021). His last day will be sometime in mid-december: marking an early transition before the new administration takes control
The position wont stay empty for long as President-elect Donald Trump already picked his preferred candidate. His choice fell on Jay Clayton — a well-known figure in financial-legal circles who led the Securities and Exchange Commission during Trumps first term. Clayton brings significant wall-street oversight experience to the table having dealt with market regulations and corporate law-enforcement
The Southern District of NY office — known for its high-profile cases and independent stance — will see this change amid the broader justice-system shifts. Its worth noting that this office handles many critical investigations: from financial crimes to political corruption cases in the nations busiest federal district
