Justice Department Fires Newly Appointed US Attorney in New York

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The Justice Department moved to fire the newly appointed U.S. attorney for the Northern District of New York, Donald Kinsella, on the same day that federal judges unveiled his appointment to replace a prosecutor aligned with the Trump administration. This comes amid criticism of the Trump administration's targeting of political opponents.

Why it matters

The firing of Kinsella, who was appointed by federal judges, highlights the ongoing tensions between the Justice Department and the judiciary over the appointment of U.S. attorneys. It also raises concerns about the Trump administration's efforts to exert control over federal prosecutors, particularly those investigating the president's political opponents.

The details

On Wednesday, February 11, the Northern District of New York Board of Judges appointed Donald Kinsella to replace John Sarcone, who had been serving as the acting U.S. attorney and was disqualified by a court. However, the Justice Department immediately moved to fire Kinsella, with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche writing on X that "Judges don't pick U.S. Attorneys, @POTUS does." This comes after a federal judge ruled that Sarcone was unlawfully serving as the top federal prosecutor in Albany, New York, and blocked his involvement in an investigation of state Attorney General Letitia James.

• On February 11, 2026, the Northern District of New York Board of Judges appointed Donald Kinsella as the new U.S. attorney.
• On the same day, February 11, 2026, the Justice Department fired Kinsella.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Justice Department's decision to fire Kinsella on the same day he was appointed is likely to face legal challenges, as the courts have previously ruled against the administration's efforts to exert control over federal prosecutors.