This law firm has deep ties to Trump. A partner is his pick to be Manhattan's top prosecutor.
Updated on: June 17, 2026 / 11:03 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- President Trump is pushing for the immediate confirmation of Jamie McDonald for U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York.
- McDonald, a partner at Sullivan & Cromwell, has been involved in cases where the Justice Department dropped or settled charges for the firm's clients.
- Questions have arisen regarding prosecutorial independence and whether Sullivan & Cromwell's clients receive favorable treatment due to the firm's ties to the Trump administration.
- The dismissal of charges against Gautam Adani and the closure of an investigation into Southern Coal, involving Sullivan & Cromwell, have drawn particular scrutiny.
- Democrats have launched investigations into these decisions, suggesting a 'transactional nature' and 'quid pro quo' due to client investment offers.
- Sullivan & Cromwell maintains that its success is based on strong legal advocacy, not political influence.
- A former CFTC head describes McDonald as a tough but fair former prosecutor with no political motivations.