The Trump administration fired newly appointed U.S. Attorney Donald Kinsella hours after his federal appointment, citing presidential authority over the role.

The Trump administration fired Donald Kinsella, a newly appointed U.S. attorney for the Northern District of New York, hours after federal judges officially appointed him to replace John Sarcone, whose interim role was deemed unlawful. The Justice Department claimed judges lack authority to appoint U.S. attorneys, asserting presidential control. Kinsella, a veteran prosecutor with over 50 years of experience, was named following a court ruling that Sarcone’s appointment violated federal law. The decision stemmed from a probe into New York Attorney General Letitia James, whom critics say faced retaliation for investigating President Trump and the NRA. The administration’s move to bypass Senate confirmation has sparked legal challenges and protests nationwide.