DOJ probes New York AG office tied to Trump case

Federal prosecutors are examining whether Letitia James's civil actions against Trump and the NRA violated rights under color of law.

DOJ opens probe into New York AG office tied to Trump case

Federal prosecutors are in the early stages of a probe into the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James, focusing on whether its civil lawsuits against Donald Trump and the National Rifle Association deprived defendants of legal rights under color of law. The inquiry is being led by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of New York. James's office pursued fraud claims against Trump over alleged misrepresentations of wealth, resulting in a disgorgement penalty of more than 300 million, a ruling that is currently on appeal. The NRA case produced mixed results, including a judge striking down the attempt to dissolve the group. In 2024 a jury found Wayne LaPierre diverted funds from the NRA, a finding that underscored the complexity of the office's litigation portfolio.

Spokespeople on both sides offered statements. A James's office spokesperson said that any weaponization of the justice system should disturb every American and that the office will continue to defend New Yorkers' rights. A U.S. Attorney's Office spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment. The investigation adds another layer to the ongoing friction between James and Trump, who has repeatedly attacked the attorney general, including on social media. The scope and timeline of the federal inquiry remain unclear, and a related mortgage application dispute is also under federal review.

The investigation tests the line between aggressive public accountability and potential political leverage. If federal prosecutors find evidence of improper motive or misuse of legal tools, it could fuel a broader debate about the independence of state level litigation and the role of federal oversight in high profile political fights. The case also highlights how civil lawsuits, even when successful, can become flashpoints in a wider political war. For supporters of James, the inquiry may appear as an unwelcome distraction from policy wins; for Trump critics, it underscores a pattern of aggressive state action viewed as partisan. The coming weeks will show whether the process strengthens checks on power or feeds a narrative of political retribution.

Highlights

The balance between enforcing accountability and avoiding political weaponization will shape public trust in the justice system.