Manhattan’s top federal prosecutor resigns to make way for Trump’s replacement
By Published Nov. 25, 2024, 12:05 p.m. ET
Manhattan’s top federal prosecutor announced Monday he plans to resign from his post next month to make way for President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the powerful office.
Damian Williams said he would step down as US attorney for the Southern District of New York on Dec. 13 – about a month before Trump’s inauguration.
“Today is a bittersweet day for me,” Williams said in a statement.
Damian Williams announced his resignation.
Damian Williams announced his resignation. James Messerschmidt
“It is bitter in the sense that I am leaving my dream job, leading an institution I love that is filled with the finest public servants in the world,” he continued.
“It is sweet in that I am confident I am leaving at a time when the Office is functioning at an incredibly high level — upholding and exceeding its already high standard of excellence, integrity, and independence.”
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Williams, who was appointed by President Biden in November 2021, has gone after several high-profile Democrats during his tenure, including former New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez and New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
His office secured several convictions of former billionaire financiers on fraud charges – including of former FTX cryptocurrency exchange founder Sam Bankman-Fried and Archegos Capital Management founder Sung Kook “Bill” Hwang.
Williams also brought the sex-trafficking charges against Sean “Diddy” Combs that allege the fallen music mogul led a depraved criminal empire in which he threatened victims and forced them to take part in drugged-up sex shows for over a decade. He has pleaded not guilty.
Williams’ announcement comes after Trump earlier this month unveiled plans to replace him with former US Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Jay Clayton.
Williams' replacement fir the role, Jay Clayton.
Williams’ replacement for the role, Jay Clayton. REUTERS
“Jay is a highly respected business leader, counsel, and public servant,” Trump posted on Truth Social at the time. “Jay is going to be a strong Fighter for the Truth as we, Make America Great Again.”
The position requires confirmation by the US Senate.
Williams’ deputy, Edward Y. Kim, is set to take over as acting US Attorney when he steps down.
His looming resignation comes as Adams continues to stare down the federal bribery charges, which he denies.
In the lead up to the 2024 presidential election, some in Hizzoner’s camp had viewed a Trump win as a potential path to legal victory for Adams against his unprecedented federal indictment, per sources.
Trump, on his part, has repeatedly expressed his belief that Adams has been railroaded by vengeful federal prosecutors.
https://nypost.com/2024/11/25/us-news/manhattans-top-federal-prosecutor-daniel-williams-resigns-to-make-way-for-trumps-replacement-for-role/