DOJ Subpoenas New York AG Letitia James Over Trump Fraud and NRA Cases

Federal prosecutors in Albany have issued subpoenas to New York Attorney General Letitia James seeking information related to her office’s civil fraud case against former President Donald Trump and a corruption case involving the National Rifle Association.

The Justice Department declined to comment on the matter.

In response, a spokesperson for James criticized the move as politically motivated.

“Any weaponization of the justice system should disturb every American. 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,” the spokesperson said, calling the subpoenas a “weaponization of the justice system.”

James’ high-profile civil fraud lawsuit against Trump is currently under review by the New York State Appellate Division’s First Department. In that case, Trump, his two eldest sons, and his company, were found liable for a decade-long scheme to inflate his net worth.

The ruling resulted in penalties exceeding $500 million, including interest. Judge Arthur Engoron, who oversaw the trial, said the fraudulent conduct “shock[s] the conscience” when issuing the fines last year. A decision on Trump’s appeal could be issued at any time.

The attorney general’s 2020 lawsuit against the NRA accused the organization’s former CEO Wayne LaPierre and other executives of diverting donor funds for personal luxury expenses. A jury found LaPierre owed more than $4 million in restitution.

According to sources, the subpoenas - issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York - are tied to an investigation into whether James or her office violated the civil rights of Trump or NRA executives during those cases.

Abbe Lowell, an attorney for James, condemned the investigation as politically driven.

“A dangerous escalation” and “the most blatant and desperate example of this administration carrying out the president’s political retribution campaign,” Lowell said in a statement. “If prosecutors carry out this improper tactic and are genuinely interested in the truth, we are ready and waiting with the facts and the law.”

DOJ Subpoenas New York AG Letitia James Over Trump Fraud and NRA Cases