What Elected Officials Have to Say on AG James’ Indictment

Statement from NY AG Letitia James

“This is nothing more than a continuation of the president’s desperate weaponization of our justice system. He is forcing federal law enforcement agencies to do his bidding, all because I did my job as the New York State Attorney General.  

“These charges are baseless, and the president’s own public statements make clear that his only goal is political retribution at any cost. The president’s actions are a grave violation of our Constitutional order and have drawn sharp criticism from members of both parties.  

“His decision to fire a United States Attorney who refused to bring charges against me – and replace them with someone who is blindly loyal not to the law, but to the president – is antithetical to the bedrock principles of our country. This is the time for leaders on both sides of the aisle to speak out against this blatant perversion of our system of justice. 

“I stand strongly behind my office’s litigation against the Trump Organization. We conducted a two-year investigation based on the facts and evidence – not politics. Judges have upheld the trial court’s finding that Donald Trump, his company, and his two sons are liable for fraud.  

“I am a proud woman of faith, and I know that faith and fear cannot share the same space. And so today I am not fearful, I am fearless, and as my faith teaches me, no weapon formed against me shall prosper. We will fight these baseless charges aggressively, and my office will continue to fiercely protect New Yorkers and their rights. And I will continue to do my job.”

Statement By Rockland County Legislator Dana Stilley 

“Attorney General Letitia James has demonstrated unwavering integrity, honesty, and professionalism in her commitment to upholding the law and defending the Constitution. As the chief legal officer of New York State, she has carried out her duties with courage and impartiality, guided not by politics or personal interest, but by a steadfast dedication to justice. Her record reflects a deep respect for the rule of law and a fierce commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of all New Yorkers.

“It is deeply troubling that Attorney General James has been identified as one of three public servants targeted in a modern-day witch hunt – punished not for any wrongdoing, but for having the strength and integrity to do her job. She is being attacked by an individual misusing the power of his office to retaliate against those who have dared to hold him accountable. These politically motivated assaults undermine the very foundations of our legal system. I stand firmly with Attorney General Letitia James, whose principled leadership and constitutional fidelity serve as a beacon in these challenging times.”

Statement from New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar 

“New York Attorney General Letitia James has been indicted by a federal grand jury for a reason. Ms. James clearly understood mortgage laws, and appears to have broken them anyway for significant financial gain. What does that tell us about the judgment and character of New York’s chief law enforcement officer? 

“Ms. James and her colleagues will attempt to label this a ‘political’ indictment, but the facts will speak for themselves. Ms. James either broke the law or she didn’t, and the federal grand jury — not the Trump Administration — has determined there is enough evidence to proceed. That’s how the American system works.

“Ms. James likes to sit high in the saddle, but her tumble is coming. Laws come with consequences. Even for attorneys general.”

Statement from NY Senator Gillibrand 

“I am deeply disturbed by the reports that Attorney General James has been indicted at the hands of the same Trump-appointed partisan prosecutor who was behind James Comey’s political indictment just two weeks ago. Once again, career government attorneys found insufficient evidence to bring charges in this case, but President Trump’s handpicked prosecutor plowed ahead regardless. This is obviously yet another example of the president weaponizing the federal government to pursue his political enemies. It is imperative that our justice system be guided by facts and fairness, not political retribution and pettiness.”

Statement from Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

In response to a post shared on X regarding James’ indictment, Ortt reposted stating, “No one is above the law.”

Statement from Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer

“This is what tyranny looks like. President Trump is using the Justice Department as his personal attack dog, targeting Attorney General Tish James for the ‘crime’ of prosecuting him for fraud—and winning.

“One U.S. Attorney already refused this case. So, Trump hand-picked an unqualified hack that would go after another political enemy. This isn’t justice. It’s revenge. And it should horrify every American who believes no one is above the law.”

Statement from New York State Democratic Committee Chairman Jay S. Jacobs

“The indictment of Attorney General Tish James is nothing less than political retribution by a vindictive felon who happens to occupy the White House.  

Now is the time to send a message – loud and clear – to the real Felon-in-Chief in the White House – that we will not stand idly as Trump attacks the rule of law.”

Statement from Speaker of the NYS Assembly Carl E. Heastie

“The Trump administration’s never-ending quest to pervert our justice system continues. When career prosecutors declined to pursue charges against N.Y. Attorney General Letitia James, President Trump turned to his loyal aid serving as U.S. attorney to carry out his mission to continue to weaponize our justice system. His comments and actions regarding this matter are far beneath the dignity of the Office of the President of the United States and are nothing more than political retribution for his own fraud conviction.

This is truly a sad day in our country’s history. The ongoing weaponization of the DOJ is a direct threat to our democracy. I urge everyone – regardless of political affiliation – to stand up for our country’s laws and rules, and demand an end to this cheap and vindictive prosecution.”

  AG James, Chuck Schumer, conservative, democratic, Gillibrand, Letitia James