New U.S. Attorney Appointed for San Diego by Trump Administration

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the appointment of seasoned San Diego prosecutor Adam Gordon as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California late Thursday. Despite the interim status of his appointment, Gordon will assume full authority as the chief federal prosecutor and top law enforcement officer in the counties of San Diego and Imperial. He is anticipated to be sworn in on Friday, taking over from Andrew Haden, who has served as the acting U.S. attorney since February 12, following the dismissal of Tara McGrath, a Biden appointee.

Adam Gordon’s legal career reflects a diverse range of experiences that he brings to this pivotal role. From 2009 to 2014, he was a deputy district attorney for San Diego County before transitioning into private practice for approximately four years. He joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2019, where he has played a crucial role, notably as the opioid coordinator, leading prosecutions against fentanyl dealers linked to overdose deaths. Although Gordon has not previously held supervisory responsibilities, his steady ascent within the legal framework underscores his capabilities.

The appointment of U.S. attorneys frequently aligns with the political dynamics of the administration in power, making turnover a common occurrence. In recent months, similar appointments across the nation have seen a mix of political loyalty and legal expertise among interim U.S. attorneys. Some, such as Alina Habba, a former personal attorney to Donald Trump, have sparked controversy due to their lack of prosecutorial experience. Meanwhile, others have demonstrated significant legal credentials.

Carl Tobias, a legal scholar at the University of Richmond, noted that the Southern District of California’s unique challenges, especially given its geographical proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border, necessitate an experienced candidate like Gordon. His background and connections within the legal community, including ties to Robert Brewer, who previously held the U.S. attorney position during the Trump administration, have positioned him favorably for this role.

Gordon’s journey included beginning with lower-level cases before taking a leadership role in addressing the fentanyl crisis plaguing the region. Colleagues have praised Gordon as an ethical and empathetic professional who upholds the mission of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Under federal law, Gordon may serve as interim U.S. attorney for a maximum of 120 days. Following this period, federal district judges in the area will have the authority to appoint a permanent U.S. attorney. It is anticipated that the judges would likely consider Gordon for continuation in the role until the Trump administration nominates a candidate, who would then require Senate confirmation.

Gordon, an alumnus of Harvard University and the University of Virginia School of Law, previously sought the appointment of the county Board of Supervisors for the interim district attorney position in 2017, pledging not to run for the position subsequently. Ultimately, the board appointed Summer Stephan, who won the 2018 election decisively.

As Gordon prepares to step into this leadership role, the community and legal experts will be closely watching how he navigates the responsibilities and challenges associated with being the top federal prosecutor in one of the nation’s busiest districts.