Trump Administration Appoints New Interim U.S. Attorney in Arizona

Timothy Courchaine was sworn in as the interim U.S. Attorney for Arizona on Monday, according to Justice Department officials. His appointment by Attorney General Pam Bondi comes in the wake of the recent dismissal of former U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino, who was removed by the Trump administration.

Courchaine, who has been with the U.S. Attorney’s office since 2020, has a background in handling complex criminal cases, particularly those related to border crimes and Mexican-based cartels. His experience includes serving as a Judge Advocate in the United States Marine Corps, where he rose to the rank of Captain.

In his role, Courchaine will oversee approximately 350 staff members, including prosecutors and civil litigators, across the District of Arizona. He holds a J.D. from the University of Alabama and a B.A. from California State University, Long Beach. Prior to his current position, he clerked for Arizona Superior Court Judge William G. Montgomery.

The recent transitions in the U.S. Attorney’s office have drawn attention, especially with the timing of Restaino’s removal. Days prior to Courchaine’s appointment, Restaino was notified of his termination as part of a broader purge of presidential appointees—a move that saw 22 U.S. Attorneys facing similarly abrupt dismissals due to miscommunication within the White House.

Restaino’s tenure began when he was confirmed unanimously by the Senate in November 2021. His previous roles include over 20 years of federal service, along with significant time spent as the chief of the Criminal Division in Arizona.

The swift turnover of chief prosecutors is not uncommon; since the Clinton administration, incoming presidents have replaced their predecessors’ appointees in 93 districts, as reported by Bloomberg Law. The White House acknowledged the oversight in the removal process, attributing it to inexperienced personnel.