Damian Williams, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY), has announced his resignation effective December 13. Williams, who has been in the role since November 2021, described his departure as bittersweet, emphasizing his pride in leading an office known for its excellence and independence.
Achievements During His Tenure
Appointed by President Joe Biden, Williams led the SDNY in prosecuting numerous high-profile cases, including:
- Securing convictions against billionaires like Bill Hwang of Archegos Capital and Sam Bankman-Fried of FTX.
- Filing sex-trafficking charges against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, alleging his involvement in a criminal enterprise.
- Pursuing corruption cases against prominent Democrats, including former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez and NYC Mayor Eric Adams.
Trump’s Nominee to Take Over
Williams’ resignation comes days after Donald Trump announced his intention to appoint Jay Clayton, former SEC Chairman, to the position. Trump described Clayton as a strong advocate for truth and a key figure in his “Make America Great Again” mission.
The role requires Senate confirmation, but Edward Y. Kim, Williams’ deputy, will serve as Acting U.S. Attorney in the interim.
A Legacy of Integrity and Excellence
Reflecting on his time in office, Williams stated:
“It is bitter in the sense that I am leaving my dream job… It is sweet in that I am confident I am leaving at a time when the Office is functioning at an incredibly high level.”
His tenure is marked by a commitment to justice, taking on some of the most complex cases in U.S. history.
What’s Next?
As Williams steps down, all eyes are on the Senate confirmation process for Clayton and the future direction of this influential office.
