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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.”

He also expressed hope that SDNY prosecutors would continue their tradition of pursuing justice with rigor and impartiality, emphasizing the importance of "doing the right thing, the right way, for the right reasons."

A Legacy of High-Profile Prosecutions

Williams’ tenure has been marked by several significant legal victories, including:

• The conviction and 25-year prison sentence of Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of cryptocurrency exchange FTX, for fraud.
• The guilty verdicts against former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, hedge fund billionaire Bill Hwang, and China critic Miles Guo.

Deputy U.S. Attorney Kim lauded the office’s achievements, calling it a "historically productive stretch" under Williams’ leadership.

Clayton’s Nomination

If confirmed, Jay Clayton will bring extensive experience as a corporate financial attorney to the role. Known for advising major financial institutions, Clayton has over three decades of legal expertise in mergers, acquisitions, and capital markets. He previously served as SEC chair under Trump from 2017 to 2020 and returned to private practice at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP in 2021.

Clayton’s potential leadership comes during a politically charged time for the Justice Department. Trump’s nominee for attorney general, Pam Bondi, has publicly criticized those who prosecuted Trump during the Biden administration, raising questions about the department’s future direction.

Transition Amid Political Tensions

Williams’ departure underscores a broader shift in priorities as the Trump administration prepares to take office. Despite the political landscape, Williams highlighted the importance of SDNY’s independence and integrity.

The SDNY, often regarded as one of the nation’s most influential prosecutorial offices, will now navigate a transition period under Kim’s interim leadership until Clayton’s confirmation.