U.S. Attorney Fired on Inauguration Day

This week, on the same day he was sworn in, the Trump administration dismissed the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of New York.

Donald T. Kinsella was appointed by a panel of judges in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York. He took the oath on Wednesday but was quickly removed from his position that very day.

Deputy U.S. Attorney Todd Blanche shared his thoughts on the firings via a post on X. He remarked, “Judges don’t choose U.S. attorneys, @POTUS does. See Article 2 of the Constitution. You’re fired, Donald Kinsella.”

The court had previously announced that it appointed a new U.S. attorney for the district. A statement from the court clarified that they exercised their authority under federal law, which allows district courts to appoint U.S. attorneys when there are vacancies. The complete power for this appointment is outlined in Article II of the Constitution as well.

Later that day, Deputy Presidential Personnel Secretary Morgan DeWitt Snow informed Kinsella of his removal without any detailed explanation.

The court extended its appreciation to Kinsella for his willingness to serve and acknowledged his experience as a former prosecutor.

In related news, Kinsella had been chosen to replace John Sarcone III, who had been determined to be serving illegally. A judge had criticized the Justice Department for allowing Sarcone to remain in his role beyond the established 120-day appointment timeline, leading to Kinsella’s brief stint before the new dismissal.

The situation continues to unfold, and it remains uncertain how this will impact the overall dynamics within the department.