John A. Sarcone III, the newly appointed interim U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York by President Donald Trump, has a history of outspoken criticism directed at President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, and twice-failed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
In a 2022 social media post, Sarcone labeled Biden a “traitor” and accused him of committing “treason.” This comment came in response to Biden’s New Year’s Eve tweet expressing his readiness to tackle the upcoming year’s challenges, to which Sarcone replied, “Traitor should be tried for treason. Worst person to occupy the White House.”
Additionally, Sarcone has made controversial statements in the past, including a tweet suggesting that Obama should be “the first illegal alien deported” and calling for Clinton to be jailed for treason.
Sarcone was appointed to his interim position without the need for Senate confirmation. Although he lacks prosecutorial experience, he has a significant background as an attorney and has previously worked on Trump’s campaigns. During his swearing-in ceremony in Albany, he defended his limited prosecutorial background by asserting that effective prosecution is defined by “judgment.”
“I believe the prosecutorial power and discretion are best entrusted to those with a full breadth of professional and life experiences, from which common sense, wisdom, and informed judgment emerge,” Sarcone stated. He outlined his priorities, which include securing the U.S.-Canada border, addressing “lawlessness and willful disregard” for federal laws, and combating public corruption, scams, and consumer fraud.
Sarcone also indicated a potential focus on Upstate colleges and universities, emphasizing that federal prosecutors would support students’ rights to be free from harassment or threats based on their religious beliefs. “Our reach will not stop at prosecuting those who choose to violate our laws, but also those who knowingly support any violations in any way, shape, or form,” he added.
In a related development, the FBI announced the arrest of a top leader of MS-13 on the East Coast. The 24-year-old suspect was apprehended in Woodbridge, Virginia, just south of Washington, D.C. While the suspect’s name has not been disclosed, authorities have identified him as one of the three most significant MS-13 gang leaders in the U.S.
Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel monitored the operation from a nearby tactical operations center. Bondi stated, “Early this morning, one of the top leaders of MS-13 was apprehended. He is an illegal alien from El Salvador — and he will not be living in our country much longer.”
Bondi praised the operation as “clean” and “safe,” emphasizing that the arrest of this individual makes Virginia and the country safer. She reiterated Trump’s commitment to national safety, stating, “From the second Donald Trump took office, he said he is going to make America safe. He shut down our borders, and now it’s our job to get these people out of our country.”
Bondi noted a significant increase in arrests, claiming a 468% rise compared to the same period last year, and attributed this success to the leadership of President Trump. “We didn’t need new laws, as President Trump always says — we needed a new president,” she asserted.
Patel added that the task force would operate across the United States to ensure justice and safety for American citizens, warning, “If you are going to continue to commit acts of violent crime, you will meet the same fate that this individual did this morning.”
