DeKalb GA News

President Trump has nominated Jay Clayton, former Chairman of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), to serve as the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York. This announcement was made on Thursday, marking a significant move in Trump's appointments.

Trump stated, "I am pleased to announce that Jay Clayton, of New York, the Chairman of the US Securities and Exchange Commission during my first term, where he did an incredible job, is hereby nominated to be the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York."

Clayton's background includes degrees in Engineering and Law from the University of Pennsylvania and an Economics degree from the University of Cambridge. He was previously a partner at Sullivan & Cromwell and served on its Management Committee. Currently, he holds positions as a Senior Policy Advisor at Sullivan & Cromwell, a Board Member for several companies, and an Adjunct Professor at both Wharton Business School and Carey Law School at the University of Pennsylvania. Trump described him as "a highly respected business leader, counsel, and public servant" who will be "a strong Fighter for the Truth."

The nomination follows President Biden's appointment of Damian Williams as US Attorney for the Southern District of New York. Williams faced criticism after prosecuting Bevelyn Beatty Williams over her actions outside an abortion clinic. She was sentenced to three years in federal prison after being charged with blocking access to clinics and threatening staff.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams defended his actions by stating: “Bevelyn Beatty Williams repeatedly intimidated and interfered with individuals seeking and providing critical reproductive health services... This Office and our law enforcement partners are committed to ensuring that patients exercising their legal right to obtain reproductive health services... can do so without unlawful interference or fear of threats or violence.”

The decision to replace Damian Williams has sparked discussions regarding judicial appointments under different administrations.