U.S. DOJ Axes Attorney Hours After Judge Appoints Him

(MENAFN) A dramatic power struggle erupted Wednesday between the Trump administration and federal courts after Justice Department officials terminated a prosecutor within hours of his judicial appointment—intensifying constitutional battles over who controls federal prosecutions.

Media disclosed that judicial officials in Albany, New York's Northern District appointed and administered the oath of office to ex-prosecutor Donald T. Kinsella following a court determination that interim US Attorney John Sarcone was "not lawfully serving" in his role.

The judicial panel invoked federal law permitting district courts to temporarily appoint US attorneys when temporary placements reach their statutory deadline.

The Justice Department responded with unprecedented speed. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche nullified the appointment via X, the social media platform, declaring: "You are fired, Donald Kinsella," before adding, "Judges don't pick US Attorneys, [the president] does. See Article II of our Constitution."

The confrontation stems from a January decision by US District Judge Lorna Schofield that blocked Sarcone—a former Trump campaign attorney—from remaining in office after Attorney General Pam Bondi sought to retain him through alternate designations, which Schofield ruled violated federal law.

Schofield additionally prohibited Sarcone from directing a probe targeting New York Attorney General Letitia James, according to media.

Administration officials have filed an appeal challenging Schofield's order.

Parallel legal confrontations over temporary US attorney designations have surfaced across multiple states, highlighting mounting friction surrounding executive power, judicial authority, and Senate confirmation processes for presidential appointees.

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