Federal judges in Manhattan have approved Jay Clayton to continue as interim U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, granting President Trump a key victory amid broader struggles to secure judicial confirmations for his appointees nationwide. This decision allows Clayton to retain leadership of one of America’s most prestigious federal prosecutor offices without Senate confirmation.
Jay Clayton, former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (2017-2020), was appointed by President Trump four months ago despite lacking prior prosecutorial experience. A corporate lawyer with deep Wall Street ties, Clayton has maintained a low profile while overseeing high-profile cases including the recent Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial. His retention follows a Monday vote by federal judges in the Southern District of New York.
The approval occurred on August 18, 2025, after Clayton’s initial 120-day interim term expired. Under standard procedure, district judges determine whether interim appointees continue serving when Senate confirmation stalls. This outcome contrasts with rejections of Trump nominees in other districts like New Jersey and upstate New York.
The decision centers in Manhattan’s federal jurisdiction, covering high-stakes financial and political cases. The Southern District office has recently experienced turmoil, including resignations over the dropped corruption case against NYC Mayor Eric Adams and the firing of prosecutor Maurene Comey after the Combs trial.
This judicial approval represents a significant victory for the Trump administration amid widespread rejections of its U.S. Attorney picks. The administration has employed unorthodox legal maneuvers elsewhere to retain appointees rejected by judges, including appointing them as ‘special attorneys’ to circumvent confirmation requirements.
Clayton’s retention stabilizes leadership in a historically independent prosecutor’s office but raises concerns about political influence. His corporate background and lack of prosecutorial experience continue to draw scrutiny, though he has avoided public controversies affecting other Trump appointees like New Jersey’s Alina Habba.
The immediate impact preserves continuity in ongoing investigations while avoiding the disruption seen in other districts. Clayton will now serve indefinitely unless President Trump nominates a replacement who secures Senate confirmation. Legal challenges to similar appointments in other jurisdictions may influence future actions, particularly in New Jersey where Habba’s status faces ongoing litigation.