New York State Bar Association Calls Firing of U.S. Attorney an Insult to Separation of Powers
2.13.2026
Kathleen Sweet, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement about the firing of U.S. Attorney Donald Kinsella:
“The firing of U.S. Attorney Donald Kinsella is an insult to separation of powers and the administration of justice. The President and the Attorney General have demonstrated, yet again, that only loyalists and allies will wield the enormous power of the United States Department of Justice.
“The people of the Northern District of New York deserve better.
“On Wednesday, the judges of the district swore in Mr. Kinsella, a qualified, experienced, and respected lawyer.
“He was terminated by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche just hours later and obviously, without cause. This firing highlights the administration’s disdain for established constitutional processes such as vetting nominees, conducting hearings on their qualifications and submitting their nominations to the Senate for confirmation.
“While it is hardly surprising given the President’s regular abandonment of even the veneer of independence for the DOJ, it is no less appalling.
“We look forward to the courts curbing these abuses by the administration so that the Justice Department and the Office of US Attorney can recover the trust and respect of the people they serve.”
