New York Attorney General Letitia James has requested a dismissal of federal fraud charges initiated by the Trump administration, asserting that these lawsuits are rooted in political animosity from Trump.
James’ motion claims that the case against her is a product of Trump’s personal hostility toward her, impeding her ability to perform her duties as attorney general. In her view, the indictment represents a selective and vindictive prosecution that contradicts the Fifth Amendment.
The lengthy filing highlights derogatory comments made by Trump about James, which her attorneys argue constitute a blatant constitutional breach.
It also discusses a civil fraud investigation into Trump that began in 2022, after he left office. A New York judge concluded that Trump had committed fraud, imposing a penalty of $354.8 million, which eventually exceeded $500 million due to accruing interest before an appeals court overturned it in August.
James’ legal team stated that her persistent criticism of Trump has provoked “targeted attacks” for six years. They assert that Trump and his allies have consistently attempted to undermine her through derogatory language and criminal allegations as retaliation for her rightful duties.
The attorney general’s motion to investigate Trump cites his derogatory descriptors, including “scum” and “weak,” maintaining that these statements cannot simply be categorized as opinions or criticisms regarding her alleged mortgage fraud.
In her arraignment on October 23, James pleaded not guilty to accusations of bank fraud and false statements to financial institutions—charges stemming from her supposed misrepresentation of plans for a home in Virginia to obtain better loan terms. She’s also accused of falsely indicating that her home in Norfolk, Virginia, was intended as a secondary residence while she rented it out, saving nearly $19,000.
Prior to her federal court arraignment, she mentioned her intent to confront the Justice Department’s case. At a rally for a New York mayoral candidate, she asserted, “I’m standing on solid ground. I won’t bow, I won’t bend.”
James, the state’s leading prosecutor, remarked on the repercussions of powerful individuals attempting to punish her. Without directly naming Trump, she indicated that he has manipulated justice for his own political agenda, labeling the accusations against her as unfounded.
The trial is set for January 26. In addition to James, the Justice Department has also brought charges against other individuals seen as political adversaries to Trump.
Former FBI Director James Comey has pleaded not guilty regarding his testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2020, where he allegedly misrepresented authorization for leaks about FBI investigations. Meanwhile, former National Security Adviser John Bolton also pleaded not guilty to 18 counts related to mishandling classified material.
In a recent interview, President Trump defended the charges against him, insisting that they were not politically motivated. He claimed, “I think I had a very warm personality,” asserting that the legal actions against him were meant to hinder his presidential ambitions.
