Apr 23, 2025

Jay Clayton Appointed Interim U.S. Attorney for Manhattan

Former SEC Chair Jay Clayton has officially taken office as the interim U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY), following a stalled Senate confirmation process. His appointment comes after Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer employed a procedural “blue slip” to block a vote on Clayton’s nomination—prompting President Donald Trump to bypass the impasse by naming him to the role in an acting capacity.

Clayton’s new role places him at the helm of one of the most influential prosecutorial offices in the United States, previously led by Damian Williams—who oversaw the conviction of former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried and led several landmark crypto and white-collar crime cases.

In a statement released on April 22, Clayton outlined his immediate priorities: bolstering public safety, maintaining the integrity of U.S. financial markets, protecting national security interests, and cracking down on fraud, particularly schemes that target seniors and other vulnerable communities.

The appointment marks a significant return to public service for Clayton, whose prior tenure as SEC Chair was defined by a cautious embrace of blockchain technology and a firm stance on regulatory compliance. With SDNY overseeing many high-profile financial and crypto-related investigations, Clayton’s leadership is expected to shape the trajectory of future prosecutions—especially under the Trump administration’s broader pivot toward deregulatory policies in the digital asset space.

Clayton’s Role Limited to 120 Days After Schumer Blocks Confirmation

Jay Clayton’s return to government as interim U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York comes with a clock ticking. His appointment bypasses the usual Senate confirmation process after Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer exercised a procedural maneuver known as a “blue slip” to block Clayton’s official nomination on April 16.

The blue slip—a longstanding but informal Senate tradition—allows senators to effectively veto judicial or U.S. attorney appointments in their home states. With Schumer representing New York, the move halted Clayton’s pathway to permanent confirmation.

Under current rules, Clayton can serve in the role for up to 120 days without Senate approval. After that window, he must either secure confirmation or be granted a court-approved extension to remain in office.

Former President Donald Trump responded sharply on Truth Social, condemning the procedural block. He highlighted Clayton’s bipartisan credentials and emphasized that the former SEC Chair had fulfilled all nomination requirements.

Clayton Steps Into SDNY Role With Crypto-Friendly Track Record

Jay Clayton’s term a will extend until approximately August 20, giving him temporary oversight of one of the most influential federal prosecutorial offices in the country. His jurisdiction spans eight counties, including Manhattan and the Bronx, and is renowned for handling landmark cases in finance, corporate fraud, and digital asset enforcement.

Often referred to as the “Sovereign District,” the SDNY is home to some of the highest-profile white-collar crime investigations in the United States. Clayton now leads this powerful post just as digital finance and regulatory enforcement continue to collide.

Clayton previously served as Chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from 2017 to 2020, overseeing the agency during a formative period for cryptocurrency regulation. During his tenure, the SEC initiated 56 enforcement actions against crypto-related entities. However, he also publicly expressed strong support for blockchain innovation.

In a 2021 CNBC interview, Clayton said he was a “huge believer in crypto technology,” citing tokenization as a key tool to boost financial system efficiency. While he did not approve any Bitcoin ETFs while leading the SEC, he acknowledged Bitcoin’s role as a store of value. The first U.S. Bitcoin ETF was ultimately approved under his successor, Gary Gensler, in 2021.

Clayton’s regulatory background and pro-innovation stance may influence how crypto-related enforcement is approached during his interim term.

Quick Facts

  • Former SEC Chair Jay Clayton has been appointed interim U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY), serving until August 20 unless confirmed by the Senate.
  • The appointment followed a blocked Senate confirmation vote, with Chuck Schumer invoking the “blue slip” rule.
  • Clayton replaces Damian Williams, who led prosecutions against major crypto figures, including FTX’s Sam Bankman-Fried.
  • Clayton, known for crypto-friendly views, has prioritized financial integrity, public safety, and fraud prevention in his new role.

Explore more articles like this

Subscribe to the newsletter

CoinRock Media covers the latest crypto news, delving into the future of money.

Editor's Choice

Read More