Independent Report – The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated an investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James. Signaling a heightened level of scrutiny toward officials who have pursued legal action against former President Donald Trump. This development marks a significant escalation in the federal government’s focus on individuals Trump has long criticized. Both publicly and in political arenas.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the DOJ has convened a grand jury and issued subpoenas to James’ office. Requesting records connected to her civil fraud lawsuit against Trump. They have also sought documents related to her separate case against the National Rifle Association (NRA). A prominent gun rights organization. The probe follows years of legal conflict between James and Trump. As well as a broader review of actions taken against figures aligned with the former president.
The Justice Department has appointed Ed Martin to play a central role in the inquiry. Martin, whose earlier nomination to serve as the chief federal prosecutor in Washington, D.C. Was blocked by some Republican senators, has been designated as a special attorney to investigate alleged mortgage fraud. While his appointment is not equivalent to that of a special counsel. Martin has authority to coordinate with U.S. attorneys’ offices to pursue charges if necessary. He is also leading a review into claims of political “weaponization” targeting Trump and his allies.
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Both James and Democratic Senator Adam Schiff of California—another prominent Trump critic who led the first impeachment effort against him in 2020—are reported to be subjects of scrutiny. Each has faced allegations of making false statements on real estate filings. Both have denied the claims, with Schiff’s attorney describing them as “transparently false” and labeling Martin as “deeply partisan” and politically motivated.
James’ legal counsel, Abbe Lowell, strongly condemned the investigation. He characterized it as “the most blatant and desperate example” of the administration engaging in political retaliation. In a statement, James’ office defended the integrity of its legal actions. Emphasizing that “any weaponization of the justice system should disturb every American”. And also reaffirming its commitment to its previous litigation successes.
The investigation is unusual because it involves criminal scrutiny of a prosecutor for cases that have already gone to trial and been upheld by the courts. Legal analysts note that while appeals of judicial decisions are common, it is rare for prosecutors to face criminal probes over the conduct of their professional duties in previously adjudicated matters.
James has been one of several Democratic state attorneys general who frequently sued to block Trump administration policies. In 2022, she filed a high-profile civil fraud lawsuit against Trump, alleging he overstated his net worth to secure favorable loan terms. That case concluded with a $355 million judgment against Trump in 2024, after a judge ruled in favor of the state’s claims. The amount has since grown with interest. Trump is appealing the decision, and a New York appeals court has expressed skepticism about some aspects of the case during hearings.
In the separate NRA litigation, James’ office alleged long-standing financial misconduct by the organization’s leadership. In 2024, a New York jury found the NRA’s former chief executive and other officials liable for years of mismanagement. The group’s attorneys argued that the lawsuit was politically driven because of its advocacy work in favor of gun rights.
The Justice Department is now examining whether James’ cases against Trump and the NRA violated the civil rights of the defendants. While the scope of the investigation remains unclear, it falls within a broader pattern of efforts to assess whether political bias influenced certain prosecutions.
This federal review coincides with Trump’s ongoing claims that legal actions against him are politically motivated. During his presidency and afterward, he has repeatedly accused prosecutors, political rivals, and government officials of engaging in partisan attacks. The latest investigation could intensify the already contentious debate over the balance between lawful prosecution and political retribution in the American legal system.
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