Trump Appoints Interim U.S. Attorney Whose Past Posts Criticizing Biden, Obama, and Clinton Resurface
President Donald Trump’s newest appointment is stirring intense debate across political and legal circles.
John A. Sarcone III — a private-practice attorney from Westchester County with long-standing ties to Trump’s political campaigns, has been selected by the president to serve as the interim U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York.
Because interim U.S. Attorneys can be appointed without Senate confirmation, Sarcone was able to assume the role immediately.
But shortly after the announcement, archived social media posts attributed to him began recirculating online — and they are now at the center of public scrutiny.
Old Posts Resurface, Criticism Reignites
In several past posts made prior to his appointment, Sarcone used strong language about Democratic leaders including:
President Joe Biden
Former President Barack Obama
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
In one post responding to a New Year’s Eve message from Biden, Sarcone reportedly wrote:
“Traitor should be tried for treason. Worst person to occupy the White House.”
In separate comments, he appeared to criticize Obama’s immigration policies and called for Clinton to face legal consequences.
Legal analysts note that individuals in private life are permitted to share political opinions — but once appointed to a federal prosecutorial role, past statements draw heightened attention, especially when they involve political figures.
Supporters Highlight His Legal Career; Critics Note Lack of Prosecutorial Experience
Sarcone has decades of experience as an attorney, though not as a prosecutor, which critics argue is unusual for such a position. Supporters counter that:
He is a seasoned litigator
Federal law allows presidents to appoint interim U.S. Attorneys from a wide range of backgrounds
His loyalty to Trump’s legal agenda is seen as an asset by the administration
The Justice Department has not issued formal comment on the resurfaced posts.
Separate Major Development: FBI Confirms Arrest of MS-13 East Coast Leader
In a separate high-profile announcement, the FBI revealed the arrest of a suspect described as one of the top MS-13 leaders on the East Coast. The individual, reportedly from El Salvador, was taken into custody in Woodbridge, Virginia.
Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel monitored the operation from a tactical center. Senior DOJ officials, including Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, were also present.
Bondi praised the operation, stating:
“This was a clean, safe arrest — one of the worst of the worst taken off the streets. America is safer today.”
She also emphasized the administration’s focus on strict border and security enforcement, saying:
“From the second President Trump took office, he said he was going to make America safe. We will not have another tragedy like the Laken Riley case.”
FBI Director Patel added:
“Our task force will go wherever necessary to bring violent offenders to justice. If you continue committing violent crime, you will face the consequences.”
A Political Appointment and a Major Arrest — Two Stories Driving Intense Public Reaction
The combination of:
A new interim U.S. Attorney with a controversial social media history, and
A major federal arrest tied to national crime efforts
…has ignited wide public discussion about:
Judicial independence
Online speech
Immigration enforcement
Federal crime policy under President Trump
What happens next — especially whether Sarcone’s past comments will affect his public role — remains to be seen. But the appointment has already become one of the most talked-about legal stories of the new term.
