The Department of Justice has issued subpoenas to New York Attorney General Letitia James amid a probe into whether she violated Donald Trump’s civil rights, per the Associated Press.
James has been a frequent legal opponent of Trump. filing multiple lawsuits against him and his administration throughout her time in office. The DOJ’s probe reportedly relates to James’ $454 million civil fraud lawsuit against Trump, in which she alleges he inflated the value of his assets to secure favorable loans. Trump is currently appealing the ruling.
The Justice Department’s investigation is also reportedly tied to James’ case against the National Rifle Association (NRA), which recently ended in a jury finding the organization and longtime executive Wayne LaPierre liable for misusing millions of dollars in nonprofit funds.
Abbe D. Lowell, James’ attorney, condemned the subpoenas, calling the investigation “the most blatant and desperate example of this administration carrying out the president’s political retribution campaign.” Geoff Burgan, a spokesperson for James’ office, also released a statement saying, “Any weaponization of the justice system should disturb every American. We stand strongly behind our successful litigation against the Trump Organization and the National Rifle Association.”
Trump has previously blasted James on social media, saying earlier this year, “Letitia James, a totally corrupt politician, should resign… IMMEDIATELY.”
James’ office has also won lawsuits against the Trump administration for cutting NIH funding for marginalized communities, restoring more than $4.5 million in grants.
The DOJ probe into the alleged violation of Trump’s civil rights remains ongoing.
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