United States President Donald Trump has announced the appointment of Jay Clayton as the interim United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. The decision was made public via a post on Truth Social, where Trump praised Clayton’s qualifications and service record.

Trump highlighted Clayton’s previous role as Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission during Trump’s first term, describing his performance as marked by “great distinction.” The president emphasized that Clayton had earned “the respect of everyone” during his time at the SEC, citing his leadership in overseeing market regulation and enforcement.

In the same post, Trump criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, accusing him of obstructing the confirmation process for U.S. attorney nominees in New York. Trump stated that Schumer is “blocking all New York US attorney nominees,” despite Clayton being “previously confirmed by the Senate on a bipartisan basis.”

According to Trump, Clayton has already completed all the required steps and documentation for confirmation through the Senate Judiciary Committee, making Schumer’s blockade politically motivated and unwarranted.

As interim U.S. attorney, Clayton will oversee federal prosecutions and legal matters within one of the most high-profile jurisdictions in the country, a region that includes Manhattan and other parts of New York City. The Southern District of New York often handles major financial, political, and organized crime cases with national implications.

Trump’s move comes amid broader political tensions over judicial and prosecutorial appointments. By selecting Clayton—a figure already vetted by the Senate and well-known in legal and financial circles—the Trump administration signals its intent to bypass political gridlock and maintain continuity in high-stakes legal oversight.

The appointment will remain in effect on an interim basis, pending further Senate action or a permanent nomination. It reflects President Trump’s ongoing efforts in his second term to assert control over key legal positions and streamline federal law enforcement operations in critical regions.