New York Southern District Prosecutor Who Fell Out of Favor with Trump Due to Unbiased Investigation Finally Resigns

▲Jeffrey Berman, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Jeffrey Berman, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, who fell out of favor with President Donald Trump due to his relentless investigations including those targeting Trump’s closest aides, has decided to resign amid controversy.

According to the Associated Press on the 20th (local time), Attorney General William Barr sent a letter to U.S. Attorney Berman stating, "Since you have expressed no intention to step down, I have requested the President to remove you effective today, and the President has approved." With Berman’s resignation, Deputy Audrey Strauss is expected to serve as acting U.S. Attorney.

Berman himself also said, "I will leave the office immediately," and ultimately stepped down.

The news of Berman’s resignation came amid ongoing investigations into Rudy Giuliani, former New York City Mayor and a key figure in President Trump’s 'Ukraine scandal.' This has led to interpretations that President Trump is wielding his personnel authority without hesitation against opposition figures who are not considered part of his inner circle.

Initially, it was reported that President Trump attempted to abruptly replace Berman, prompting Berman to issue a public statement denying that he had resigned or intended to resign. Local media reported that Berman’s change of heart and acceptance of resignation was influenced by the appointment of Deputy Audrey Strauss as acting U.S. Attorney. From Berman’s perspective, having Deputy Strauss, with whom he had worked closely, take over as acting U.S. Attorney would ensure that ongoing investigations in the Southern District of New York would proceed without disruption. Berman stated, "Under the leadership of my successor Strauss, the tradition of diligence and independence will be maintained."

Berman, who took office as U.S. Attorney in 2018, is known as the 'Reaper of Wall Street' for his investigations into major white-collar crimes including stock manipulation. The Southern District of New York, where he served, is reputed to be the most prestigious among the 93 federal prosecutor offices nationwide, and its prosecutors are known for their strong sense of pride.

Berman was originally appointed directly by President Trump. He prosecuted Michael Cohen, Trump’s former personal attorney, investigated the Trump Foundation for election finance violations, and pursued investigations into Rudy Giuliani, one of Trump’s closest aides, actions that ultimately led to him falling out of favor with President Trump.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.