The newly appointed interim U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York, John A. Sarcone III, has drawn attention for his past remarks on President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Sarcone, a private attorney from Westchester County with close ties to former President Donald Trump’s campaigns, was appointed to the position without requiring Senate confirmation.
Sarcone’s appointment has reignited scrutiny over a 2022 social media post in which he accused Biden of treason, referring to him as a “traitor” and the “worst person to occupy the White House.” Additionally, according to Syracuse.com, Sarcone previously called for Obama to be “the first illegal alien deported” and demanded that Clinton be jailed for treason. These statements have fueled debate over his impartiality and suitability for the role.
Despite his lack of prosecutorial experience, Sarcone defended his qualifications during his swearing-in ceremony in Albany on Monday. He emphasized that judgment, rather than prosecutorial background, is the most critical attribute for a U.S. attorney. “I believe the prosecutorial power, and discretion,” Sarcone stated, “is best entrusted to those with the full breadth of professional and life experiences, from which common sense, wisdom, and informed judgment emerge.”
Outlining his priorities, Sarcone pledged to focus on securing the U.S.-Canada border, combating public corruption, and cracking down on consumer fraud. He also hinted at potential action against Upstate New York colleges and universities, stating that his office would work to protect students from harassment or threats based on their religious beliefs. “Our reach will not stop at prosecuting those who choose to violate our laws,” he said, “but also those who knowingly support any violations in any way, shape, or form.”
Meanwhile, federal law enforcement has continued its crackdown on criminal organizations. On Thursday, the FBI announced the arrest of a top MS-13 leader on the East Coast. The 24-year-old suspect was apprehended in Woodbridge, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C. While authorities have not disclosed his name, they confirmed that he is one of the three highest-ranking MS-13 figures operating in the United States.
The high-profile arrest was closely monitored by Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, and DOJ official Emil Bove from a nearby tactical operations center. “Early this morning, one of the top leaders of MS-13 was apprehended. He was the leader for the East Coast, one of the top three in the entire country, right here in Virginia,” Bondi announced. “He is an illegal alien from El Salvador—and he will not be living in our country much longer.”
Bondi praised the FBI for executing a “clean, safe operation” and removing a dangerous criminal from the streets. “Thanks to the FBI, we got one of the worst of the worst of the MS-13 off the streets this morning. Virginia and the country are a lot safer today,” she declared. She also emphasized former President Trump’s commitment to law and order, noting that arrests have surged by 468% compared to the same period last year.
Patel reinforced the administration’s stance on crime and border security, warning that law enforcement will aggressively pursue violent criminals nationwide. “This task force is going to go everywhere as needed, across the United States to bring justice, security, and safety that American citizens deserve,” Patel said. “If you are going to continue to commit acts of violent crime, you will meet the same fate that this individual did this morning.”
With law enforcement intensifying efforts to combat violent crime and border security remaining a top priority, Sarcone’s appointment and the MS-13 crackdown signal a renewed push for tough-on-crime policies under Trump-aligned leadership. However, Sarcone’s controversial past statements may continue to fuel debate over his role and the broader political landscape of federal prosecutions.