Trump Names Solicitor General, SDNY Picks

Trump Taps Noel Francisco as Solicitor General, Announces SDNY Picks

President Trump has appointed Noel Francisco as Solicitor General and announced three new US Attorney nominees for the Southern District of New York. The moves come as the Trump administration continues to reshape the Justice Department and federal judiciary.

Who is Noel Francisco?

Francisco is a partner at Jones Day and a former principal deputy solicitor general under George W Bush. He is known for his work on a range of high-profile cases, including defending the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act before the Supreme Court. Francisco is a graduate of Harvard Law School and clerked for Justice Clarence Thomas.

What is the Solicitor General?

The Solicitor General is the third-ranking official in the Justice Department and is responsible for representing the United States before the Supreme Court. The Solicitor General plays a key role in shaping the government's legal strategy and has a significant impact on the development of the law.

Who are the SDNY Picks?

Trump has nominated Audrey Strauss, Geoffrey Berman, and Robert Hur as US Attorneys for the Southern District of New York. Strauss is a career prosecutor who has served as acting US Attorney since Preet Bharara was fired in 2017. Berman is a partner at Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel and a former assistant US Attorney for the SDNY. Hur is a former US Attorney for the District of Maryland and a former senior official in the Justice Department's National Security Division.

What is the Southern District of New York?

The Southern District of New York is one of the most important federal judicial districts in the country. It includes Manhattan, the Bronx, and several other counties in southern New York. The SDNY is responsible for prosecuting a wide range of crimes, including terrorism, organized crime, and white-collar crime.

What do these appointments mean?

The appointment of Francisco and the nomination of Strauss, Berman, and Hur are significant steps in the Trump administration's effort to reshape the Justice Department and federal judiciary. These appointments are likely to have a major impact on the government's legal strategy and the development of the law.