Trump Sidesteps Schumer to Appoint Top Federal Prosecutor in New York

President Donald Trump has once again outmaneuvered the Washington swamp this time by bypassing Senate Democrat obstruction to place Jay Clayton as the interim U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, one of the most powerful prosecutorial posts in the country.

Facing partisan roadblocks from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Trump sidestepped the usual confirmation process by tapping Clayton directly, using his executive authority to temporarily install him in the role. The move comes after Schumer invoked the outdated “blue slip” tradition to block not only Clayton but also Joseph Nocella Jr., Trump’s nominee for the Eastern District of New York.

“The Southern District needs strong leadership NOW,” Trump said in a statement. “Jay served with great distinction as the Chair of the SEC, and earned the respect of everyone.”

Let’s be clear this isn’t about qualifications. Clayton was previously confirmed by the Senate on a bipartisan basis and has complied with every request from the Senate Judiciary Committee. But that didn’t stop Schumer from launching a baseless smear campaign, claiming Trump’s intentions were “depraved” and politically motivated.

This is the same Schumer who’s weaponized Senate procedure to block Trump’s efforts at every turn. His claim that Trump is trying to politicize the Justice Department is laughable coming from the man who stood silently while Biden’s DOJ unleashed lawfare against political opponents, raided pro-life activists, and turned a blind eye to actual criminals flooding the border.

“Chuck Schumer has announced that he is blocking all New York U.S. Attorney nominees,” Trump said. “Even though Jay was previously confirmed by the Senate and has complied with ALL requests.”

While Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) has so far upheld the “blue slip” courtesy, Trump didn’t wait around for Schumer’s permission slip. He took action, as any effective leader would, to fill a critical vacancy in a jurisdiction that oversees Wall Street and safeguards the rule of law in America’s financial capital.

Clayton now joins Ed Martin and Alina Habba, two other interim appointments Trump made in Washington, D.C. and New Jersey respectively, as the administration prioritizes decisive leadership over political theater.

“We will continue to pursue full Senate confirmation for Jay,” Trump added. “But New Yorkers and all Americans deserve law and order today, not five months from now.”

The Southern District of New York is central to enforcing the integrity of U.S. markets, prosecuting white-collar crime, and safeguarding millions of lives and billions of dollars. And while Schumer plays politics, Trump is getting the job done.

This is what real leadership looks like. And it’s why the D.C. establishment fears a second Trump term.

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