ALBANY, N.Y. — President Donald Trump's attempts to install political loyalists as top federal prosecutors have encountered significant legal challenges. Federal judges recently ruled that his appointed U.S. attorneys in New Jersey, eastern Virginia, Nevada, and Los Angeles were all serving unlawfully.
On Thursday, a federal judge listened to arguments from New York Attorney General Letitia James regarding John Sarcone, who Trump appointed as the acting U.S. attorney for northern New York. James is questioning Sarcone’s authority as he oversees a Justice Department investigation into regulatory lawsuits filed against Trump and the National Rifle Association.
Arguing in court, Attorney Hailyn Chen contended that Sarcone lacked legitimate authority, making any legal actions he undertakes — including subpoenas — invalid. She further stated that Sarcone should be disqualified from the ongoing investigation.
In response, Justice Department lawyers defended Sarcone's appointment as lawful, arguing that any motion to block subpoenas should be denied. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Belliss characterized the disqualification of Sarcone as drastic and extreme.
Both attorneys faced extensive questioning from U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield, who has not yet indicated when she will issue a ruling.
This latest courtroom battle over Sarcone is part of a broader concern about the legality of Trump's unorthodox tactics in appointing prosecutors who might not garner the necessary Senate confirmation. A federal judge in Virginia recently dismissed indictments linked to a similar case wherein the appointed interim U.S. attorney was deemed unlawfully appointed.
Sarcone’s appointment did not follow the standard route prescribed by federal law, which necessitates Senate confirmation for U.S. attorney nominations. With no nominee from Trump for the Northern District of New York, Sarcone's unusual appointment as a special attorney has drawn significant scrutiny as it seemingly circumvents established legal procedures.
