Manhattan U.S. Attorney Damian Williams announced Monday that he will step down from his position on Dec. 13, paving the way for President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee, former U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission chair Jay Clayton, to take over leadership of the Southern District of New York (SDNY).
Deputy U.S. Attorney Edward Kim will serve as acting U.S. attorney following Williams’ departure, according to the announcement. Trump’s inauguration is set for Jan. 20, and Clayton, along with other Trump administration nominees, will assume office upon Senate confirmation.
A “Bittersweet” Farewell
Williams described his resignation as “bittersweet,” reflecting on his tenure as the district’s top federal prosecutor under President Joe Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland.
“Serving as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York has been my dream job,” Williams said. “I am confident I am leaving at a time when the office is functioning at an incredibly high level, upholding its standards of excellence, integrity, and independence.”
