Manhattan prosecutors worry about Trump's nominee Jay Clayton

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan are anxious as they await the confirmation of Jay Clayton as their new U.S. attorney. Clayton, nominated by former President Donald Trump, is not a criminal prosecutor and his intentions for the influential office are unclear. Prosecutors are worried that he might enforce loyalty to the Trump administration instead of maintaining the office's independence. Clayton, who is 58, has a strong legal background but lacks experience in criminal law. He previously led the Securities and Exchange Commission during Trump's first term without any major controversies. He promoted diversity and inclusion measures there, which is notable given Trump's recent stance against such initiatives. Some prosecutors initially viewed Clayton favorably, believing he was better qualified than other Trump nominees. However, recent developments have raised concerns. Clayton's law firm, Sullivan & Cromwell, now represents Trump in his criminal case, which has caused unease among prosecutors. Additionally, Clayton reportedly advised Danielle Sassoon, the interim head of the office, to comply with a controversial order from the Justice Department to drop charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Sassoon resigned instead of following that order, leading to unrest among prosecutors. Many in the office fear that Clayton's connections to Trump and his law firm will undermine their reputation for independence. The Manhattan U.S. attorney's office is known for handling major white-collar crime cases and public corruption. Clayton's nomination is still pending in the Senate. If confirmed, he will face the challenge of maintaining the office's integrity while navigating the political landscape shaped by Trump's influence.