Letitia James: Trump Foe Turned Legal Powerhouse in New York

Letitia James: During her campaign for N.Y. attorney general, Letitia James, a Democrat, frequently criticized Donald Trump, labelling him a “con man” and a “carnival barker.” Due to a recent court ruling stating that Trump misled banks and insurers by inflating asset values, she is nearly dismantling his real estate business.

Trump will lose control of his businesses, including Trump Tower. This is James’s latest fight against many tough opponents.

Shortly after becoming attorney general in 2019, she initiated a legal battle against Trump. James filed lawsuits against the Republican-led government. His cases focused on the government’s handling of immigration and the environment. She also sued Trump’s charity, which was ongoing, and received a $2 million settlement.

James recently attacked Trump with a civil complaint. He claimed Trump lies on financial papers by inflating asset prices and net worth. If the appeal fails, it could hinder Trump’s business in New York and impact his assets.

Trump has often called James’s legal moves political theatre. He was furious about the recent ruling, which he called a “POLITICALLY MOTIVATED WITCH HUNT.”

Trump claims James is unfair due to her pre-election remarks.

In 2021, James investigated sexual harassment claims against Andrew Cuomo, the governor of New York. When lawyers for James confirmed claims by 11 women about inappropriate contact, comments on looks, and hints about personal lives, Cuomo lost the investigation dramatically. Cuomo claims James is leveraging the investigation for political gain and feels overwhelmed by me.

After Cuomo resigned, James briefly considered running for governor. But she chose not to do that and ran for a second term as attorney general. She denies Cuomo’s claim of political motivation in her investigation.

Since 2020, James has accused the NRA of financial mismanagement. In her case, she claims that some NRA leaders use the group for personal profit. As attorney general, James regulates tax-exempt charities. She claims her legal battle with the NRA protects its image.

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Critics argue that James, who supports stricter gun laws, aims to silence outspoken American gun users. She initially requested the dissolution of the NRA, but a judge rejected the request, allowing the lawsuit to proceed.

James made history in 2018 as New York’s attorney general. This made her the state’s first Black and female attorney general and the first Black woman in a statewide post. After her failed run for governor, she was re-elected in 2022.

Before becoming attorney general, James was a NYC Public Advocate. He assisted with government services and monitored City Hall. This job made her prominent as she frequently attended crime scenes, news conferences, and other events to raise awareness of public issues.

James has served on the City Council and worked as a public defender and assistant state attorney general. She attended Lehman College in the Bronx for her initial classes and Howard University in Washington, D.C., for her law degree.

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