What to know about Trump's DOJ indictment of Letitia James
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New York Attorney General Letitia James speaks during a press conference on Feb. 14 in New York City. Photo: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
New York Attorney General Letitia James was indicted by the Justice Department on Thursday, weeks after President Trump demanded her prosecution.
Why it matters: Each new indictment of a Trump critic normalizes retribution as a governing tool, drawing the U.S. closer to a justice system driven by presidential grievance.
Catch up quick: Last month, Trump urged the Justice Department to take action against James and Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.).
- The DOJ also filed charges against former FBI Director James Comey on accusations of making false statements to Congress and obstructing its investigation of the Russia probe. He pleaded not guilty Wednesday.
- Trump has also called for the arrest of Democratic megadonor George Soros, mused that ex-FBI Director Christopher Wray could face scrutiny and insulted John Bolton days before agents raided the ex-national security adviser's home.
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James' indictment
Driving the news: A federal grand jury in Virginia indicted James on Thursday on charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution.
- James faces up to 30 years in prison per count and up to a $1 million fine on each count, plus forfeiting property, per the DOJ. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.
Zoom in: James called the indictment "baseless" and said she was fearless in confronting it.
- "This is nothing more than a continuation of the president's desperate weaponization of our justice system," she said. "He is forcing federal law enforcement agencies to do his bidding, all because I did my job as the New York State Attorney General."
James' history with Trump
State of play: James argued Trump and his business partners should be barred from doing business in New York after the president falsely inflated asset values.
- James' office last year said Trump should pay about $465 million for decades of financial fraud — a penalty that was tossed by an appeals court in August.
What they're saying: Trump has repeatedly slammed James as a "totally corrupt politician" and pushed for her resignation.
- James' office in April said the Trump administration has weaponized the federal government against the rule of law and the Constitution.
- "She will not be intimidated by bullies — no matter who they are," her office's spokesperson said.
Behind the scenes: The Justice Department in August issued two subpoenas to James, including one seeking information related to Trump's civil fraud trial.
- One subpoena asked if James deprived the president of his rights or privileges protected by the Constitution or U.S. laws.
- The other concerned her long-running investigation into the National Rifle Association.
- Erik Siebert, a U.S. attorney in Virginia, resigned last month after he said he couldn't pursue a mortgage fraud case against James. Trump has said he fired Siebert.
James' career
Context: James was elected in 2018 and became the first woman of color to hold statewide office in New York and the first woman elected attorney general.
- She earlier served as public advocate for New York City, winning election in 2013 to become the first woman of color to hold citywide office.
Go deeper: Letitia James responds to indictment: "I am not fearful, I am fearless"
