Damian Williams, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, has announced his resignation effective December 13, 2024, ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. This move clears the path for Trump’s nominee, Jay Clayton, to assume the role.
Williams, appointed by President Joe Biden in 2021, has been instrumental in prosecuting high-profile cases, including those against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Ghislaine Maxwell, former Senator Bob Menendez, and musician Sean “Diddy” Combs. His departure raises questions about the future of these cases, particularly the ongoing corruption trial of Mayor Adams.
In his resignation statement, Williams expressed pride in his office’s achievements and confidence in its continued excellence. He stated, “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.”
Jay Clayton, a former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, has been nominated by President-elect Trump to succeed Williams. Clayton’s nomination is notable given his lack of prosecutorial experience, which has sparked discussions about the direction of the Southern District under his leadership.
The transition in leadership comes at a critical time, with several significant cases pending. Observers are particularly interested in how Clayton’s appointment might influence the prosecution of Mayor Adams, especially considering Adams’ recent alignment with President-elect Trump.
Deputy U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim will serve as acting U.S. Attorney until Clayton’s confirmation. The legal community and the public are closely monitoring these developments, given the Southern District’s reputation for handling high-stakes cases that often have national implications.
