The Justice Department is stepping up investigations into two prominent Democrats long seen as adversaries of President Donald Trump. New York Attorney General Letitia James and U.S. Senator Adam Schiff are the latest targets in what some are describing as political payback.
The latest targets
According to the Associated Press, the DOJ has subpoenaed James for records related to her lawsuit against Trump over alleged fraud in his business dealings. A source familiar with the probe says investigators are examining whether James violated Trump’s civil rights. In addition, Attorney General Pam Bondi has appointed Ed Martin as a special prosecutor in separate mortgage fraud investigations targeting both James and Schiff. Both Democrats have since denied any wrongdoing and claim the investigations are politically motivated.
Pushback from Democrats
James’ office reportedly declined to confirm the subpoenas, but issued a response through spokesperson Geoff Burgan. “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.” Her personal attorney, Abbe D. Lowell, went further, calling the subpoenas “improper.” Said Lowell, “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 carrying out the president’s political retribution campaign. … Weaponizing the Department of Justice to try to punish an elected official for doing her job is an attack on the rule of law and a dangerous escalation by this administration.”
Additional investigations
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed earlier this year that another investigation into James is underway after a Trump official accused her of mortgage fraud. James’ lawyer has rejected the accusation, calling it a distortion of a legal real estate transaction. Meanwhile, Trump is appealing a $454 million civil judgment in the fraud case James brought against him, in which she accused him of inflating the value of his properties to deceive lenders.
Trump’s defense
Trump and his legal team argue that the financial statements in question undervalued his assets and that any discrepancies were irrelevant to lenders. They have consistently labeled James’ lawsuits as politically motivated “lawfare.”
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Author: Isabella Torregiani
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