DoJ Probes New York Attorney General Letitia James Over Trump Fraud Case
The civil fraud case involving Trump dates back to 2023, when James filed and won a lawsuit against him.
The US Department of Justice (DoJ) has initiated an investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James, CNN reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. The probe aims to determine whether James’ office violated the rights of US President Donald Trump in its handling of a civil fraud lawsuit against him.
James, a Democrat, has been served with two subpoenas. Apart from the Trump-related civil fraud case, she is also facing investigation over her office’s handling of a separate matter involving the National Rifle Association (NRA).
The civil fraud case linked to Trump dates back to 2023, when James filed and won a lawsuit against Trump and his companies. The case alleged that Trump and his top executives engaged in fraudulent business practices by inflating the value of his businesses and the market worth of his real estate properties in both New York and Florida.
Though Trump denied any wrongdoing, he and his eldest sons were found guilty of 10 years of fraud. The court imposed a penalty exceeding $500 million, including interest. While announcing the verdict, Judge Arthur Engoron said that the frauds “shock the conscience.”
Trump has repeatedly criticised both Engoron and James, calling the Attorney General’s actions “politically motivated” and accusing her of being a “racist.”
The second investigation into James relates to her office’s legal proceedings against the NRA and its leadership. James had earlier sought the dissolution of the NRA, a request later rejected by the court. However, in 2024, she secured a legal win against NRA chief Wayne LaPierre. A jury found LaPierre guilty of misappropriating millions of dollars from the organisation to fund his personal lifestyle.
While the DoJ has not issued any public statement regarding the subpoenas, James’ attorney has strongly criticised the probe, terming it “a dangerous escalation” and “the most blatant and desperate example of this administration carrying out the president’s political retribution campaign.”
Abbe Lowell added, “Weaponising the Department of Justice to try to punish an elected official for doing her job is an attack on the rule of law and a dangerous escalation by this administration.”
