The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit issued a 2-1 decision finding that John Sarcone's 2025 appointment as acting U.S. attorney for the Northern District of New York violated the Federal Vacancies Reform Act. The ruling upheld a block on subpoenas Sarcone issued to New York Attorney General Letitia James and prompted the Justice Department to announce plans for Supreme Court review. Sources agree on the procedural outcome but differ on its broader implications for federal investigations.