Washington, Aug 9 — The U.S. Justice Department has opened an investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James, a move that’s stirring debate over whether America’s justice system is being used as a tool for political score-settling.
James, a long-standing critic of former President Donald Trump, famously brought a civil fraud case against him that resulted in a staggering US$355 million judgment last year. The court ruled Trump had inflated his net worth to secure better deals with lenders — a claim he denies and is currently appealing.
Now, prosecutors have convened a grand jury and subpoenaed James’ office for documents not only related to the Trump case but also her lawsuit against the National Rifle Association (NRA), in which the organization’s leadership was found liable for years of financial mismanagement.
Adding to the controversy, Ed Martin — whose nomination for a top federal post once stalled due to Republican opposition — has been tapped as a special attorney to dig into allegations of mortgage fraud and supposed false statements by James and Democratic Senator Adam Schiff. Both deny any wrongdoing, calling the accusations politically motivated.
James’ lawyer, Abbe Lowell, did not mince words, describing the probe as “blatant and desperate political retribution.” Schiff’s attorney, Preet Bharara, echoed the sentiment, labeling the allegations “transparently false” and criticizing Martin’s appointment as deeply partisan.
The investigation is part of a broader Justice Department review into whether legal actions against Trump and his allies amount to a violation of civil rights. While Trump’s legal battles have often been described as politically charged, turning the tables to investigate his critics is unusual — especially when those cases have been upheld in court.
For now, the probe raises big questions: Is this about justice, or is it about settling political scores? And if the justice system becomes a battlefield for political revenge, what does that mean for the rule of law in America?
