Federal authorities are looking into the actions of New York Attorney General Letitia James in relation to a civil fraud case against Donald Trump, according to The New York Times.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is currently investigating New York Attorney General Letitia James for potential civil rights violations related to her prosecution of President Donald Trump for civil fraud.
The investigation, led by the top federal prosecutor in Albany, focuses on whether James's office may have deprived Trump and his adult children of their civil rights during the litigation. The inquiry includes a federal grand jury probe and subpoenas seeking records connected to the civil fraud case in which Trump and his associates were ordered to pay over $450 million for asset inflation fraud.
The DOJ's investigation also extends to James's work on a separate case involving the National Rifle Association (NRA). Acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone III of the Northern District of New York sent a subpoena concerning James's work on both cases.
James's legal team has denounced the investigation as politically motivated, with Abbe Lowell, who represents James, stating that it is a "blatant and desperate example of this administration carrying out the president's political retribution campaign." Lowell also expressed concern that the DOJ is being used to punish an elected official for doing her job, calling it an attack on the rule of law.
A spokesperson for James's office defended her work, stating that any weaponization of the justice system should disturb every American. They also emphasised that they stand strongly behind their successful litigation against the Trump Organization and the NRA.
The investigation comes amidst a series of actions targeting Trump's political opponents since the start of his second presidential term. Trump has promoted the idea of arresting former President Barack Obama and has supported investigations into members of the Obama administration. He has also supported the arrest of a congresswoman who opposed his immigration agenda.
James and Trump have previously sparred over multiple matters. In April, James stated that the Trump administration was trying to "trample" the Constitution.
The DOJ has not publicly commented beyond the confirmed subpoenas and investigation. However, Lowell stated that if prosecutors carry out this improper tactic, they will be ready with facts and the law. The spokesperson for James's office also reiterated their commitment to standing up for New Yorkers' rights.
As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how the DOJ's inquiry will impact James and her work as New York Attorney General.
- Despite the ongoing DOJ investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James for alleged civil rights violations, her legal team asserts that the inquiry is politically motivated and an attack on the rule of law, pointing to a series of actions targeting Trump's political opponents.
- The DOJ investigation also encompasses James's work on a separate case involving the National Rifle Association, further fueling discussions about politics, policy-and-legislation, general-news, war-and-conflicts, and crime-and-justice within political circles.
