A high-profile federal prosecutor who led several major investigations against prominent political figures and celebrities announces his departure from office.
According to the Washington Examiner, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, who served as the lead prosecutor in the Southern District of New York, is resigning his position as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to install Jay Clayton as his replacement.
Williams' tenure was marked by significant prosecutions, including cases against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Ghislaine Maxwell, former Democratic New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, and music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs.
His departure comes at a crucial time, particularly for the ongoing corruption case against Mayor Adams, who has reportedly developed closer ties with Trump.
Williams, who was nominated by President Joe Biden in 2021, demonstrated a commitment to pursuing cases regardless of political affiliation.
His prosecution of former New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, a prominent Democrat, significantly impacted the state's political landscape. The case exemplified Williams' dedication to justice beyond party lines.
Williams addressed his approach to prosecution with the following statement:
We are not focused on the right or the left. We are focused only on right and wrong.
His leadership style emphasized collaboration and recognition of his team's efforts. In his resignation announcement, Williams expressed gratitude for his colleagues' contributions:
That success is due to the career attorneys, staff members, and law enforcement agents of this Office. Working with them during my tenure has been a privilege of a lifetime. They are worthy custodians of this Office's tradition of doing the right thing, the right way, for the right reasons. They are patriots. They are my family. And I will miss them dearly.
Deputy U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim will assume the role temporarily when Williams officially steps down on December 13. The transition period precedes Jay Clayton's anticipated appointment by Trump, marking a significant shift in leadership for the Southern District of New York.
Clayton's nomination represents a second attempt at securing the position. His previous bid in 2020 faced resistance when then-attorney Geoffrey Berman refused to step down unless his deputy, Audrey Strauss, took over the interim role. Clayton's background includes serving as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The leadership change could significantly impact ongoing investigations, particularly the corruption case against Mayor Adams. The trial, scheduled for next year, will proceed under new prosecution leadership, a development that some speculate might benefit Adams' defense as he simultaneously campaigns for reelection.
Damian Williams, a Biden appointee who led the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, has announced his resignation effective December 13, paving the way for President-elect Trump's choice of Jay Clayton to assume the role.
The transition occurs at a pivotal moment, with several high-profile cases, including Mayor Eric Adams' corruption trial, hanging in the balance. The incoming leadership under Clayton, combined with the temporary stewardship of Deputy U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim, will shape the direction of these significant prosecutions while maintaining the office's tradition of independence and pursuit of justice.
