The U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York pushed back Friday night against reports that he was resigning from the position.
Geoffrey Berman, who oversaw prosecutions of allies of President Donald Trump — as well as a probe of Trump’s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani — said he learned he was stepping down when he read a press release about it, The Associated Press reported.
Reacting to the news of his departure, Berman said he would not be leaving right away.
“I will step down when a presidentially appointed nominee is confirmed by the Senate. Until then, our investigations will move forward without delay or interruption,” Berman said in a statement.
“I will step down when a presidentially appointed nominee is confirmed by the Senate. Until then, our investigations will move forward without delay or interruption.”
— Geoffrey Berman, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York
The earlier report that Berman was resigning came in a statement from Attorney General William Barr, the AP reported.
The attorney general said President Trump intends to nominate Jay Clayton, chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, to replace Berman, with the U.S. attorney in New Jersey, Craig Carpenito, serving on an acting basis beginning July 3.
Berman has been in the position for more than two years. Barr’s announcement late Friday, came after he visited New York City and met with local police officials there.