Trump Appoints Clayton Interim U.S. Attorney Amid Standoff

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has blocked President Donald Trump's nominees for U.S. attorney positions in New York, using the Senate's 'blue slip' tradition to withhold his approval for SEC Chairman Jay Clayton for the Southern District and Judge Joseph Nocella Jr. for the Eastern District. Schumer accuses Trump of seeking to politicize the Justice Department for retaliation purposes. In response, Trump appointed Clayton as interim U.S. attorney for Manhattan, circumventing the Senate confirmation process. This move puts pressure on Senate Republicans to decide whether to respect the blue slip custom or proceed with the nominations. The dispute highlights escalating tensions over the politicization of federal law enforcement. The strategic use of Senate procedures has become a focal point in the ongoing battle over judicial appointments.