The Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched a grand jury investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James, focusing on her investigations into President Donald Trump and the Trump Organization. According to multiple sources, the US attorney’s office for the Northern District of New York issued two grand jury subpoenas seeking information about James' probes into the Trump Organization and the National Rifle Association (NRA).

The grand jury investigation, convened in Albany, New York, is reportedly examining whether James violated constitutional rights in her pursuit of legal actions against Trump. Abbe Lowell, an attorney for James, criticized the investigation, stating, "Investigating the fraud case Attorney General James won against President Trump and his businesses has to be the most blatant and desperate example of this administration’s carrying out the president’s political retribution campaign." He further added that using the DOJ to target an elected official for performing her duties undermines the rule of law.

The New York attorney general’s office had previously sued Trump, his adult sons, and the Trump Organization, accusing them of inflating property values to deceive lenders and insurers. A judge ruled against Trump, ordering him to pay over $450 million, a decision that Trump has appealed. Tensions between Trump and James were evident during the trial, with Trump vocally opposing James from the witness stand and in public statements.

The attorney general's office also successfully challenged the NRA, resulting in judgments that mandated the organization to reform its structure. A spokesperson for James’ office emphasized their commitment to upholding justice, stating, "We stand strongly behind our successful litigation against the Trump Organization and the National Rifle Association, and we will continue to stand up for New Yorkers’ rights."

Lucy Chapman