One of America’s most high-profile prosecutors has been fired after refusing an order from the attorney general to resign.

Preet Bharara, the 48-year-old US attorney for the southern district of New York, has made a name for himself taking on Wall Street corruption, terrorism and political malfeasance – famously sending to prison both the Democrat speaker and the Republican majority leader of New York state.

He is currently investigating the mayor of New York over allegations of campaign finance irregularities, and trying aides of Andrew Cuomo, governor of New York, on charges of bribery. He is also investigating Fox News in connection with their handling of sexual assault allegations, and leading the case against New York bomber, Ahmad Rahimi.

Jeff Sessions, the attorney general, issued an order late on Friday night that all 46 Obama-appointed prosecutors resign, with reports that many were told to clear their desks by midnight.