President-elect Donald Trump has announced the nomination of Jay Clayton, former Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. The appointment comes as part of Trump’s commitment to strengthening key federal institutions and reinforcing accountability across financial sectors.

Trump praised Clayton’s extensive background and experience, stating, “I am pleased to announce that Jay Clayton, of New York, the Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission during my first term, where he did an incredible job, is hereby nominated to be the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.” Trump emphasized Clayton’s reputation and professional acumen, adding, “Jay is a highly respected business leader, counsel, and public servant.”

Jay Clayton’s academic credentials include degrees in engineering and law from the University of Pennsylvania and a degree in economics from the University of Cambridge. His legal career includes significant time as a partner and Management Committee member at Sullivan & Cromwell, a prestigious law firm. Since leaving the SEC, Clayton has continued to make his mark in academia and business, serving as a Senior Policy Advisor to Sullivan & Cromwell, a board member for several public and private companies, and an adjunct professor at the Wharton Business School and the Carey Law School at the University of Pennsylvania.

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Trump spoke highly of Clayton’s potential impact in this new role, calling him “a strong Fighter for the Truth as we, Make America Great Again.”

The nomination of Clayton, known for his firm stance on financial oversight, signals a renewed focus on transparency and justice in one of the nation’s most high-profile legal districts. If confirmed, Clayton will lead efforts to address complex legal issues in financial regulation and corporate law, tackling significant cases within a jurisdiction widely recognized as pivotal in the fight against financial crime.