24/7 LiveNew York CityNew JerseyLong IslandNorthern SuburbsConnecticutWelcome, Mickeymickey@disney.comManage MyDisney AccountLog Out POLITICSUS attorney for Southern District New York resigns, paving way for Trump to install his pickByAaron Katersky Tuesday, April 22, 2025His resignation paves the way for President Trump to appoint his nominee.NEW YORK (WABC) -- The top federal prosecutor in Manhattan has agreed to step aside, clearing the way for President Trump on Tuesday to install his nominee as interim United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, yet another shakeup for the nation's most prominent federal prosecutors office.Matthew Podolsky took over for Danielle Sassoon, who resigned in protest of the Justice Department's order to drop corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams.Sassoon had been named interim U.S. attorney when Trump fired Edward Kim, who assumed the role during the change in administrations.Trump's nominee, Jay Clayton, will serve in an interim capacity for up to four months until confirmed by the Senate or appointed by federal judges in Manhattan. Clayton is a former head of the Securities and Exchange CommissionTrump tried to install Clayton during his first term but then-U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman refused to resign until then-Attorney General Bill Barr agreed to replace him with a trusted deputy.Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer recently signaled his intent to block Clayton's nomination over frustration with Trump, who he said "has no fidelity to the law."By naming him an interim, Trump is likely able to get his way without putting Clayton through a confirmation process.After 120 days, judges in the Southern District of New York can vote to appoint him to the job until there's a confirmed nominee. Trump could simply name no one else.Clayton released the following statement:"I am honored to serve as United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, alongside the women and men of the U.S. Attorney's Office, an institution synonymous with excellence and integrity. I would like to thank President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for this remarkable opportunity. Along with the talented prosecutors of this Office and our law enforcement partners, I look forward to protecting public safety, combatting fraud, particularly on the elderly and most vulnerable, ensuring the integrity of our financial system, and defending our national security. Finally, I want to thank Acting United States Attorney Matthew Podolsky for his leadership and service."----------* Get Eyewitness News Delivered * More Manhattan news* Send us a news tip* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts * Follow us on YouTube Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness NewsHave a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.Report a correction or typoCopyright © 2025 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.Related Topics POLITICS NEW YORK CITY MANHATTAN PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP NEW YORK CITY POLITICSWatch LiveON NOWTop StoriesLIVE | Rally demanding release of NYC student detained by ICE18 minutes agoLarge branch falls from tree in NJ injuring 3 pedestrians, hitting car22 minutes agoCharges expected after suspect jumps from burning Bronx building2 hours agoHow residents are coping nearly week after water main break in NJWoman charged after allegedly beating teen with metal water bottleNY attorney general sues Zelle's parent company3 hours agoPutin says Trump making 'energetic' efforts to end war as summit nears35 minutes agoTracking Tropical Storm ErinTopicsHomeWeatherTraffic7 On Your Side7 on Your Side InvestigatesLocalishShopWatch ABC 7 New YorkAppsRegionsNew York CityNew JerseyLong IslandNorthern SuburbsConnecticutMore ContentNew York LotteryNeighborhood Safety TrackerUS & World NewsPoliticsHealthSportsOur AmericaOn The Red CarpetPodcastsabc7NY En Español Station InfoSubmit a News TipJobsMeet the Eyewitness News TeamABC 7 In Your CommunityAbout ABC 7Closed CaptioningContests and RulesPrivacy PolicyDo Not Sell My Personal InformationChildren's Privacy PolicyYour US State Privacy RightsTerms of UseInterest-Based AdsPublic Inspection FileFCC ApplicationsCopyright © 2025 ABC, Inc., WABC-TV New York. All Rights Reserved., Will Judges Approve Trump’s Choice for U.S. Attorney in Manhattan? Jay Clayton, the interim U.S. attorney for the Southern District, was named on an interim basis after Senator Chuck Schumer , THE NEXT U.S. ATTORNEY FIGHT: “Will Judges Approve Trump’s Choice for U.S. Attorney in Manhattan?” by NYT’s Benjamin Weiser: “ [J]udges still have lingering concerns about the .