Trump White House Fires NY U.S. Attorney Hours After Judges Appoint Him

Veteran prosecutor Donald T. Kinsella, 79, was sworn in as U.S. Attorney for New York's Northern District by federal judges on February 11, 2026, to replace a Trump interim appointee ruled unlawful, but received a White House termination email hours later. Deputy AG Todd Blanche announced the firing on social media, stating "Judges don't pick U.S. Attorneys, @POTUS does. See Article II," amid tensions over presidential appointment powers. Kinsella, a former chief of the district's criminal division with over 50 years experience, plans to consult judges on next steps as Democrats like Sen. Schumer decry political interference.