AG James Talks Trump's 'Enemies List' and Endorses Zohran Mamdani

New York Attorney General Letitia James, long known for her clashes with President Donald Trump, says she now finds herself on his “enemies list.” James sat down with CBS News New York political reporter Marcia Kramer on The Point to discuss her battles with Trump, ongoing investigations, and her role in New York politics.

James’ office has taken the former president and his administration to court on multiple occasions, including a civil fraud case that initially resulted in a penalty of more than $500 million. That judgment was overturned last month by a state appellate court, which called the amount “excessive.” The attorney general’s office is now appealing the ruling. Since Trump’s return to office, the Department of Justice has issued two subpoenas to James’ office.

“I'm on his enemies list,” James told Kramer. “Partly because we brought a case against him after a two-year investigation following a congressional hearing.”

The DOJ has also accused her of mortgage fraud, a claim she dismissed as baseless.

“In order to engage in mortgage fraud, you need intent. And there was no mortgage fraud on behalf of myself or any other individual. Mortgage fraud is a rare, rare, rare type of investigation and indictment, and the facts are not substantiated,” James said. “At the end of the day, we all know that the mortgage fraud is baseless and it's nothing more than an attempt to engage in retribution against all the actions I've taken against Donald Trump and this administration.”

Despite the mounting political pressure, James insisted she would not be intimidated.

“I cannot be paralyzed by fear,” she said. “The vast majority of my work, Marcia, believe it or not, has nothing to do with Donald Trump and or this administration.”

In the New York City mayoral race, James has shifted her support. She initially endorsed City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams in the primary but has since backed Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani in the general election.

“The reason why is because of his focus on affordability, an issue that, as you know, all throughout my career I've been focusing on the displacement of individuals, the crisis in affordable housing, individuals who, unfortunately, cannot afford items at their grocery store, individuals who complain to me each and every day about child care,” she said. “We're just losing a generation of individuals here in the city of New York, they're moving outside of New York City to other states, because they cannot buy a home. Some individuals are reconsidering whether or not they should even marry, whether or not they should have children, all because of the cost of this great city.”

James praised Mamdani as someone who “provides hope and inspiration to countless generations,” adding, “I have not seen this since the last candidate who ran for president of these United States inspired individuals to believe in politics, to recognize that there are some good and wonderful individuals, and that public service is a rewarding career, and that more individuals should enter this career.”

When questioned about how Mamdani would fund his ambitious affordability agenda, James pointed to wasteful consultant spending. She highlighted the CityTime scandal of 2010 where $500 million was fraudulently billed to the city and argued similar savings could be found today.

“I believe that there are others,” she said. “I believe that, obviously, what we need to do is work with the City Council and the state Legislature to focus on all of the consultants that the city hires, that the state hires, that are engaged in overbilling to the state government, as well as the City Council.”

James also weighed in on Mamdani’s public safety proposals, particularly his idea for a separate agency to handle mental health calls.

“It's very difficult when you witness individuals in the throes of mental illness and, oftentimes, police officers are ill-equipped and don't have the tools and don't have the training to deal with individuals who are emotionally disturbed,” she said. “So his policy recommendation with regards to creating a separate agency, I think, is a good idea and is something that I have supported and recommended.”

Still, James emphasized that open communication with law enforcement remains essential.

“In addition to that, I believe that continuing to have conversations with members of the police force are, obviously, key to public safety,” she said. “Last but not least, having a wonderful leader, and that's why I've been recommending to him that we should keep Jessica Tisch as our police commissioner.”

AG James Talks Trump's 'Enemies List' and Endorses Zohran Mamdani