SDNY Chooses a Trusted Insider to Lead, Easing Fears of a Trump-Influenced Shakeup
Manhattan prosecutors welcomed James McDonald—an internal favorite with a track record at SDNY and links to the CFTC and Trump-era efforts—as the new head of the Southern District of New York, hoping his reputation for integrity would steady the office amid concerns it could be led by a political ally or an unqualified appointee; some colleagues praise his credentials while others note his ongoing representation of Trump raises questions about independence.