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By: Jordan Baker
Damian Williams, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced his resignation Monday, stepping down just weeks before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. His decision leaves several high-profile cases unresolved, including a major corruption indictment against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
Williams, who will officially depart on Dec. 13, described the decision as “bittersweet.” In a statement, he said: “It is bitter in the sense that I am leaving my dream job, leading an institution I love that is filled with the finest public servants in the world. It is sweet in that I am confident I am leaving at a time when the Office is functioning at an incredibly high level — upholding and exceeding its already high standard of excellence, integrity, and independence.”
The resignation prompted a wave of optimism from Adams’ allies, who see the transition as a potential advantage in the mayor’s legal battle. “This was a great day for Eric Adams, he is definitely smiling,” a City Hall source told the New York Post.
However, Williams’ exit does not mean the case against Adams will be dropped. Federal prosecutors handling the corruption case remain in place, and court documents suggest additional charges against Adams are likely to be included in a revised indictment. Adams, who has maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty, is scheduled to appear at a Dec. 20 status hearing.
Williams’ resignation also avoids the possibility of being dismissed by Trump, clearing the way for the president-elect to nominate a successor. Trump has proposed Jay Clayton, the former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, to take over as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District.
Clayton’s nomination has sparked speculation about how the office will proceed with Adams’ case. While Clayton is respected for his regulatory expertise, he lacks prosecutorial experience. Trump’s suggested second-in-command at the Department of Justice, Todd Blanche, is a former Southern District prosecutor and Trump’s own defense attorney, further fueling questions about how the office’s independence will fare under the new administration.
Despite these uncertainties, the Southern District of New York has long prided itself on its autonomy from Washington, a tradition that is unlikely to change even under a second Trump presidency.
Williams, appointed by President Biden in 2021 as the first Black U.S. Attorney for the district, gained a reputation for tackling high-profile corruption and financial crime cases during his tenure. His office secured a conviction against former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez in a bribery case involving gold bars and other gifts, which ultimately led to Menendez resigning.
Another landmark case under Williams’ leadership was the prosecution of Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX. Bankman-Fried was convicted in November 2023 of misappropriating over $8 billion in customer funds and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Federal authorities called it one of the most significant financial frauds in U.S. history.
Williams also oversaw the indictment of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, who faces accusations of running a racketeering and sex trafficking operation. The charges, unsealed in September, allege Combs led a decade-long criminal enterprise involving coerced participation in drug-fueled sex parties. Combs has pleaded not guilty, and the case remains ongoing.
For now, Edward Y. Kim, Williams’ deputy, is set to assume the role of acting U.S. Attorney. Meanwhile, Adams’ legal team remains hopeful that Clayton, if confirmed, will bring a fresh perspective to the corruption case.
