Interim Manhattan US Attorney Jay Clayton avoided a protracted fight over his temporary appointment when a group of judges approved him to remain in the post pending confirmation as a permanent prosecutor by the US Senate.

President Donald Trump’s pick to be the top federal prosecutor in Manhattan will get to stay in the job, even though he hasn’t been confirmed by the US Senate.

Jay Clayton, whose Senate confirmation was stalled, could serve for the rest of the Trump presidency. He faced criticism after a prosecutor in his office was fired by the administration.