Justice Department Subpoenas Letitia James in Trump Civil Rights Investigation

The Justice Department has subpoenaed New York Attorney General Letitia James as part of an ongoing investigation into whether she violated President Donald Trump’s civil rights, according to two sources familiar with the matter.

The subpoenas are linked to James’ fraud lawsuit against Trump and a separate case involving the National Rifle Association (NRA). While neither the DOJ nor James has publicly confirmed the investigation’s specifics, the move is seen as a major escalation in the Trump administration’s push to challenge officials perceived as political opponents.

Records Requested in Fraud and NRA Cases

According to one source, the subpoenas seek documents tied to James’ high-profile fraud case against Trump, in which she accused the former president of inflating property values to secure favorable loans. Another source confirmed the investigation is grounded in civil rights concerns.

James previously secured a multimillion-dollar judgment against Trump and his companies. The former president is currently appealing the verdict, claiming the financial statements actually understated his wealth and that any errors were minor and irrelevant to lenders.

James Responds: “We Stand Behind Our Work”

A spokesperson for James, Geoff Burgan, responded without confirming the subpoenas:

“Any weaponization of the justice system should disturb every American. We stand strongly behind our successful litigation and will continue to defend New Yorkers’ rights.”

James’ personal attorney, Abbe D. Lowell, criticized the investigation as politically motivated:

“Investigating the fraud case AG James won against Trump is the most blatant and desperate example of political retribution. This is an attack on the rule of law.”

Background: Legal Tensions and Accusations of Retaliation

James, a Democrat, has filed numerous lawsuits against Trump and his administration, spanning public policy disputes and private business dealings. Trump and his legal team have accused her of “lawfare” and politically motivated attacks, claims James has consistently denied.

This latest investigation comes as the Trump administration intensifies efforts to challenge and purge officials tied to past investigations, including the Trump-Russia probe and scrutiny into his business empire.

A spokesperson for the Justice Department, Natalie Baldassarre, declined to comment.

What Comes Next?

If the DOJ finds that James violated Trump’s civil rights, it could trigger a major legal and political showdown, with implications for state-federal authority, civil rights protections, and ongoing efforts to prosecute or defend former and current officials.

The Justice Department has not indicated a timeline for concluding the investigation.

SOURCE: ABC News