New York Attorney General Letitia James has been subpoenaed by the Department of Justice as part of a federal grand jury investigation tied to her high-profile civil fraud case against President Donald Trump and her office’s separate investigation into the National Rifle Association, as reported by The New York Post.
According to a source familiar with the matter, the subpoenas were issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York. Acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone is leading the probe, which began in May following coordination with the FBI.
One subpoena reportedly seeks documents related to the $454 million civil judgment obtained by James against President Trump earlier this year. That judgment is currently under review by the Appellate Division, First Department.
A second subpoena concerns James’ long-running investigation into the NRA, as first reported by The New York Times. The full scope of documents and materials requested by federal authorities has not been publicly disclosed.
James’ office responded in a statement:
“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 investigation comes amid continued scrutiny of James’ handling of legal matters involving prominent conservative figures.
In 2022, she filed a civil lawsuit against the Trump Organization, alleging the company overstated property values to obtain favorable loans and tax benefits.
James claimed, “If average New Yorkers went into a bank and submitted false documents, the government would throw the book at them, and the same should be true for former presidents.”
While the Justice Department has not confirmed the focus of the current probe, it may also be examining separate allegations of mortgage fraud involving James herself.
Federal Housing Finance Agency Director William Pulte made a referral to the DOJ in April, alleging that James “falsified records” to obtain advantageous loan terms on properties in Virginia and Brooklyn.
Pulte claimed James misrepresented the Norfolk, Virginia property she purchased in 2023 as her “principal residence,” despite continuing to serve as New York’s top prosecutor.
Additional documentation allegedly showed she misreported the number of residential units in a Brooklyn brownstone she acquired in 2001.
“These actions, if verified, could constitute multiple criminal offenses,” the referral stated, citing possible violations including wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, and making false statements to a financial institution.
Attorney General of the United States Pam Bondi weighed in at the time of the referral:
“Ms. James, for both properties listed above, appears to have falsified records in order to meet certain lending requirements and receive favorable loan terms.”
James, a Democrat, has been an outspoken critic of President Trump and claimed earlier this year that he was on a “revenge tour” following his return to the White House.
The Justice Department has declined to comment on the grand jury investigation. A spokesperson for James’ office did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment.
The outcome of the federal probe could carry significant legal consequences as the political and legal battles involving James continue to escalate.
