Preet Bharara, formerly chief counsel to Sen. Chuck Schumer, was confirmed on August 7, 2009 to be United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. Even though Bharara was known for his aggressive actions towards Wall Street and political corruption, President-elect Trump requested he stay on as U.S. Attorney. Four months later, Trump asked the resignation of all remaining U.S. Attorneys under the Obama administration. When Bharara refused to resign, the following day he was fired.
In a TV interview, Bharara opened up about the strange relationship Trump tried to form with the U.S. Attorney, which is unprecedented since communications are to be minimal. After FBI James Comey testified to the communications between him and Trump, Bharara could relate to how Comey felt that Trump wanted to cultivate some kind of relationship.
Bharara’s office conducted the investigation of money laundering and tax fraud by Russian mafia in the New York real estate market. The case was involved purchases of New York properties and shell companies around the world used to launder Russian crime network funds. Notably, the case involved Russian lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky who outed the operation.
Significant Events
- November 20, 2016 – Bharara met with Trump at Trump Tower, where he asked Bharara to stay on as U.S. Attorney.
- March 10 – Trump requested the resignation of the 46 remaining U.S. Attorneys, including Bharara.
- March 11 – Since Bharara refused to resign as U.S. Attorney, Trump fired him.
I did not resign. Moments ago I was fired. Being the US Attorney in SDNY will forever be the greatest honor of my professional life.
— Preet Bharara (@PreetBharara) March 11, 2017
- June 13 – Trump’s personal lawyer, Marc Kasowitz after warning the president that Bharara “is going to get you,” is reported to have had a “central role” in the firing of Bharara.
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