The political feud between President Donald Trump and New York Attorney General Letitia James has taken another dramatic turn.
The Department of Justice is now investigating whether James misused her position to bring a civil fraud case against Trump in the heat of the 2024 presidential race.
This isn’t just another chapter in their long-running rivalry — it’s a move that could reshape how both sides frame their battles in the public eye.
Allegations of ‘Weaponizing’ the Attorney General’s Office
The DOJ probe will dig into claims that James intentionally “weaponized” her office to damage Trump’s campaign and his businesses in the lead-up to the election.
For Trump’s supporters, this feeds into the narrative of politically motivated lawfare.
For James’s allies, it’s a reversal — a federal investigation targeting someone who has been a fierce legal opponent of the president.
How the Trump Case Began
Back in 2022, James filed a lawsuit against Trump and the Trump Organization, accusing them of inflating the former president’s wealth and overvaluing company assets.
This lawsuit led to a three-month trial in New York City, exposing the inner workings of Trump’s finances and putting his family front and center during the election season.
A Landmark Ruling and Record-Breaking Penalty
In February 2024, Manhattan Judge Arthur Engoron ruled that Trump and his eldest sons were liable for fraud, handing down an unprecedented $454 million penalty.
Trump immediately hit back, accusing both James and Engoron of political bias. He has since appealed the ruling.
Second Federal Investigation Into James’s Conduct
This latest DOJ action marks the second time since Trump returned to office that James’s conduct has come under federal scrutiny.
At this stage, it’s unclear exactly what evidence the DOJ has, how far the investigation has progressed, or what potential charges — if any — could result.
James’s Office Pushes Back Hard
In a sharp response, the New York attorney general’s office accused the DOJ itself of “weaponizing the justice system.”
“Any weaponization of the justice system should disturb every American,” the statement read, turning the same accusation leveled against her back toward federal investigators.
The NRA Lawsuit Under the Microscope
The criminal investigation isn’t just about Trump.
The DOJ is also revisiting James’s separate 2020 lawsuit against the National Rifle Association (NRA) and its leadership.
James had tried to dissolve the NRA entirely, but a judge blocked that move.
Even so, in 2024 her office scored a major win when a jury found former NRA leader Wayne LaPierre guilty of misusing millions in NRA funds.
Standing Firm on Past Victories
James’s team is not backing down from its record.
“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 office declared.
A New Twist: Mortgage Application Allegations
The FBI, under Trump’s administration, is also looking into whether James made false statements on her own mortgage applications.
Her attorney, Abbe Lowell, addressed the issue in a letter to DOJ Attorney General Pam Bondi in April 2025, calling the filings simple mistakes that were later corrected in other documents.
What Happens Next?
With two federal probes now in motion — one involving Trump and another tied to the NRA — James finds herself on the defensive in a way she hasn’t before.
Whether this will weaken her politically, strengthen her resolve, or simply add another layer of drama to the Trump-James rivalry remains to be seen.