Trump Taps Veteran Prosecutor to Lead New DOJ Fraud Division

Colin McDonald, a longtime federal prosecutor, will head the newly created National Fraud Enforcement Division.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 1:52am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former President Donald Trump has nominated Colin McDonald, a veteran federal prosecutor, to lead the newly created National Fraud Enforcement Division within the Department of Justice. The division will focus on investigating and prosecuting complex financial crimes and fraud cases.

Why it matters

The establishment of this new DOJ division signals the Trump administration's prioritization of cracking down on fraud and financial crimes, which have been an ongoing challenge for law enforcement. McDonald's appointment to head the division suggests the administration is seeking an experienced prosecutor to take on high-profile cases.

The details

McDonald has over 20 years of experience as a federal prosecutor, handling a variety of white-collar criminal cases. He has worked in the DOJ's Fraud Section and served as the chief of the Economic Crimes Unit in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York.

  • On February 25, 2026, the Trump administration announced McDonald's nomination to lead the new National Fraud Enforcement Division.

The players

Colin McDonald

A veteran federal prosecutor with over 20 years of experience handling white-collar criminal cases, including in the DOJ's Fraud Section and as chief of the Economic Crimes Unit in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who nominated McDonald to lead the new National Fraud Enforcement Division within the Department of Justice.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Colin McDonald's extensive experience prosecuting complex financial crimes makes him the ideal candidate to lead this important new division.”

— Former President Donald Trump

What’s next

The U.S. Senate will need to confirm McDonald's nomination before he can officially take on the role of leading the National Fraud Enforcement Division.

The takeaway

The creation of this new DOJ division and the appointment of an experienced prosecutor like Colin McDonald to lead it signals the Trump administration's focus on cracking down on fraud and financial crimes, which have been an ongoing challenge for law enforcement.