The Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated an investigation into New York Attorney General Leticia James, who made headlines for successfully prosecuting a civil fraud case against President Trump.
This federal inquiry, spearheaded by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Upstate District of New York, has already issued two subpoenas this week.
Lawyers for James acknowledged the investigation and suggested it represents a misuse of power by the DOJ aimed at targeting political adversaries of Trump.
Abbe Lowell, James’ attorney, expressed concerns, saying, “This investigation by the Justice Department is an evident attempt to retaliate against an elected official doing her job. It reflects a troubling escalation.” He further stated, “If the prosecutor is genuinely seeking the truth, we are prepared to provide the facts and legal arguments.”
James achieved a significant victory in a civil lawsuit against Trump, resulting in a nearly $5 billion penalty for his organization due to asset overvaluation.
Reports also surfaced on Friday about an additional subpoena connected to James’s lawsuit against the NRA, alleging improper management of the charity, which resulted in a $6.35 million penalty for its leaders.
The DOJ has chosen not to comment on the matter. Attempts to reach the U.S. Attorney’s Office for further insights were made.
Since her election as New York’s Attorney General in 2018, James has been a frequent target of Trump’s criticism. Her office has persistently challenged Trump’s legal actions, winning significant lawsuits that labeled his practices as fraudulent. In early 2024, a New York judge ordered Trump to pay nearly $355 million in fines, although James’s office suggested that the total could exceed $450 million.
In addition to the recent subpoenas, it’s worth noting that the Trump administration had earlier pursued another investigation related to mortgage eligibility.
In April, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) also initiated action against James criminally.
James’s office responded at the time, asserting that the attorney general would not be intimidated, regardless of the opposition. They emphasized that she remains committed to protecting New Yorkers amid what they see as the federal government being used as a political tool against the rule of law and the Constitution.
