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Letitia James

Letitia James: Grand Jury Rejects New Indictment – Legal Update

by Priya Shah – Business Editor December 5, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Letitia james Avoids Indictment as Grand Jury⁣ Declines to Act

New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat ⁣and vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, has secured a legal victory after a⁤ federal grand ⁢jury declined to indict her. ‌This decision follows ⁣repeated attempts at federal⁣ prosecution that have faced scrutiny over allegations of politically motivated objectives and questionable federal ⁤prosecutorial appointments. Trump and Republican leaders have⁣ accused the Biden management of weaponizing the Department of Justice (DOJ) ‌and unfairly targeting the former president and his allies.

Key Developments

Thursday’s outcome arrived less than two weeks after a federal judge ⁢dismissed the initial indictment against James.The judge ruled the indictment void due to the ‌unlawful appointment of Lindsey Halligan as acting U.S. attorney for the ⁢Eastern District of Virginia by Trump and then-Attorney General Pam Bondi, as reported‌ by NBC News.

Halligan, who lacked prior‌ prosecutorial ‍experience, ⁤previously served as Trump’s personal attorney and presented ⁤the original case ‌against James.

While the grand jury’s decision not to indict⁢ prevents immediate prosecution, the⁢ DOJ retains the possibility of presenting the case to another grand jury in the future.

Reactions to the Decision

Legal experts and key figures have weighed in on the situation.

Ryan Goodman, chaired‌ professor of NYU Law,‍ posted ‍on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday: “Whatever you ⁤may think about the Tish James case, the⁢ defense’s legal claims of vindictive prosecution and the evidence of ⁢a corrupt use of DOJ‍ power ⁢just got … stronger (trying‌ a second indictment) and stronger (grand jury denial) and stronger (DOJ steadfast to try again).”

James herself stated on X in October: “This isn’t about me. It’s about all of us. It’s about a justice system which has⁢ been weaponized. A justice system which has been used as a tool of revenge. ‌My faith is strong.‌ I have belief⁤ in the⁣ justice‌ system and the rule of law.”

Former President Trump, on his Truth Social platform in October, criticized James, stating: ”Corrupt⁢ Letitia James is costing New ‍York State Hundreds of billions of Dollars in lost ‍business…She is a Complete⁢ and Total Disaster…Until this ‘SCUM’ is removed from the Attorney General’s⁣ Office, no ‍company will ⁢move to New York…”

Looking Ahead

The Department of Justice could attempt to secure another⁢ grand jury presentation regarding the case against James. However,the‍ failure to obtain‍ an indictment after two⁣ attempts may present both practical⁤ and legal challenges to future‌ prosecution efforts.

(Updated 12/4/2023, ‌6:51 p.m. ET with additional information.)

December 5, 2025 0 comments

News

Ex-Trump lawyer Habba disqualified as New Jersey’s top federal prosecutor

by Emma Walker – News Editor December 1, 2025

written by Emma Walker – News Editor

Ex-Trump Lawyer Habba Removed as ‍New Jersey’s acting U.S. ‍Attorney

TRENTON,⁣ N.J. – A federal judge on Friday disqualified former‍ President Donald Trump’s attorney, Alina Habba, from serving as the acting U.S. Attorney⁣ for New Jersey, effectively ending her‌ controversial tenure leading the state’s federal law enforcement.The ruling stems‌ from a legal challenge arguing Habba’s repeated appointments circumvented established federal procedures for selecting the state’s top prosecutor.

The decision throws the future of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey into uncertainty, impacting ongoing federal investigations and prosecutions within the state. Habba’s appointment, repeatedly extended by Attorney General Pam Bondi despite ⁢objections from New Jersey’s Democratic senators and a prior attempt by ‍federal judges to install a career prosecutor, ignited a dispute over presidential authority versus established legal protocols. The case underscores the ongoing tension between the executive branch and the judiciary regarding appointments to key law enforcement‍ positions.

Habba’s initial temporary appointment faced scrutiny in July‌ as it neared expiration, with Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim signaling they would not support a permanent nomination. Following this, federal judges in New Jersey attempted to replace Habba with a career prosecutor already ‌serving ⁤as her second-in-command. However, Bondi later dismissed the prosecutor and re-appointed Habba in an acting ⁤capacity, prompting ‍the Justice ⁢Department to assert Trump’s authority to select his preferred ⁤candidate.

Judge⁤ John M.Brann‘s ruling steadfast that the president’s appointments remain subject to the limitations and power-sharing ⁤rules outlined in federal law. The Justice Department had argued the judges acted prematurely, but Brann’s decision affirms ⁢the judiciary’s role in overseeing the appointment process.

The legal challenge highlighted concerns that Habba’s‌ political affiliations and lack of traditional prosecutorial experience were inappropriate for the position. Her primary background is in civil litigation, representing Trump in various legal battles.The ruling effectively reinstates the process‌ for a permanent U.S. Attorney appointment, perhaps leading to a nominee vetted and confirmed through the Senate.

December 1, 2025 0 comments

World

Title: 20 States Sue HUD Over Cuts to Homeless Program Funding

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor November 26, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

States Sue Trump⁤ Governance Over changes to Homelessness Funding

A coalition of states has filed a lawsuit⁢ challenging recent changes made by teh Trump administration to‍ the ‍Department of Housing‍ and Urban Development’s (HUD) Continuum of Care (CoC) program, a key federal funding‌ source for addressing homelessness. The lawsuit alleges the changes will drastically reduce funding for effective housing solutions and disproportionately harm vulnerable populations.

Established by Congress in 1987, the CoC program provides grants to states, local governments, and nonprofits to fund housing and support services for individuals ‌experiencing homelessness. Currently, approximately 90% of ⁣CoC awards support projects utilizing a “Housing First” approach, which prioritizes providing housing ⁣to individuals⁣ without preconditions like sobriety or ⁢income.

HUD Secretary Scott Turner has ⁣been critical of the ⁤Housing First ⁣model, arguing it doesn’t address the‍ root causes of homelessness.‍ The administration announced changes to the program,including requiring 70% of projects to‌ be ‍selected through a⁣ competitive process. ⁤ HUD ‌stated that 90% of current CoC awards support projects based on what they deem “failed” Housing First ideologies, claiming this ⁤approach “encourages dependence on endless government handouts” and neglects issues like drug use and mental health.

The ⁤lawsuit claims these changes will considerably reduce funding⁣ for ‌permanent housing, dropping from roughly 90% to just 30% of available CoC funds. Furthermore, the‌ states allege HUD has revised the scoring system for grant⁣ awards, disadvantaging programs that address‌ the needs of minority groups, including the LGBTQ+ community, and those providing supportive ⁤services for individuals with mental disabilities ‌and substance use disorders.

The new⁣ policies also reportedly bar‍ funding for organizations that acknowledge ‌transgender ⁤and gender-diverse individuals and penalize service providers that don’t align with the administration’s preferred approaches to⁤ homelessness.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated the‍ changes ⁣woudl “illegally slash” funding for a program proven effective at reducing homelessness and would worsen the crisis.The ⁣lawsuit argues the changes threaten housing stability and ‍will ‌negatively impact services for those with mental⁢ health and substance use challenges.

The administration’s stated goal is to redefine success in addressing homelessness, ⁤focusing on ”long-term self-sufficiency and recovery” ⁤rather than simply the amount of money spent or housing units filled.

November 26, 2025 0 comments

Business

Title: Letitia James Seeks to Dismiss Trump-Linked Mortgage Fraud Indictment

by Priya Shah – Business Editor November 8, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Letitia James Seeks Dismissal of Mortgage Fraud Indictment, Alleging‍ Politically ⁤Motivated Prosecution

ALEXANDRIA,‌ Va. – New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a ⁣motion asking a Virginia judge⁣ to dismiss the mortgage fraud charges against her, arguing the‌ prosecution is a politically motivated “vindictive” act driven⁤ by former President Donald Trump‘s personal animus. The filing alleges a purposeful effort to weaponize the Justice Department against a political opponent.

James was indicted in virginia on allegations of falsely ⁢identifying her primary residence to receive a tax benefit. The motion claims the charges stem from a rushed‌ inquiry initiated after the ‌resignation of former Acting U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert and the subsequent appointment of Lindsey Halligan, a White House aide, by Mr. trump.

Defense lawyers contend Halligan was installed “with the singular mission of churning out indictments⁤ against his political enemies,” following Mr. Trump’s ⁤public calls for investigations into James and others he views as adversaries. They point to a social media post from ⁢Mr.Trump⁤ urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate James, stating, “JUSTICE ⁤MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!”

The⁣ filing draws parallels to the case of⁢ former FBI Director James Comey, who is ⁤also challenging his indictment in Virginia on similar grounds – alleging Halligan’s appointment ⁢was unlawful.‍ Both James and Comey argue Halligan lacked ‍the authority to bring charges due to the manner of her appointment.

James, first elected New York Attorney General in 2018, has been a frequent target of Mr.Trump’s criticism, particularly ⁣after securing ⁤a significant judgment ‍against him ⁢and his companies in a ‌civil lawsuit alleging fraudulent overvaluation of real estate assets. While an appeals court overturned the original fine exceeding $500 million,‍ it upheld the finding of fraud. Mr. Trump has denied all allegations.

November 8, 2025 0 comments

Business

Indicted NY AG Letitia James Listed Virginia Home as “Investment

by Priya Shah – Business Editor October 11, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

New York Attorney⁤ General Letitia James Faces‍ Fraud Charges Over Virginia Property Disclosure

NORFOLK, VA – ‍New York Attorney General Letitia James has been indicted on charges of bank fraud and⁣ making ⁣false claims to a financial institution stemming ⁣from alleged misrepresentations regarding‌ a Virginia property, teh Department of Justice announced. The‌ indictment alleges James falsely presented the property as her ⁣primary residence to secure⁤ a more favorable mortgage rate, while together treating it as ⁣a rental property for tax purposes.

According to the indictment, James obtained a mortgage on the Norfolk, Virginia home‌ in 2019. in ethics‌ filings, including one from 2024, the property was designated as ⁢”real property,” rather than an investment. Prosecutors allege this “misrepresentation” allowed James to obtain⁤ a lower mortgage rate than she would have qualified for had she⁢ disclosed her intent to rent the property. The alleged ill-gotten gains from this lower rate amount to “approximately $18,933⁢ over the life of the⁤ loan.”

The DOJ further alleges James misrepresented the property’s intended use on a homeowners’ insurance application, stating it would be “owner occupied.” however, on her federal tax forms, James reportedly classified the home as “rental real estate,” reporting “thousand(s) of dollars in rents received” and claiming related ⁤deductions.

James faces up to 60 years in prison and a fine of up to $2 million if convicted on both‍ counts. She is ⁢scheduled to make her first‌ appearance in federal court in Virginia on October 24th.

The case ‍has ‍already sparked discussion regarding the potential cost of James’s legal defense, estimated by ⁢experts⁤ to range from $5 to $10 million. While New York ‌State has a $10 million legal defense fund available, James’s ‍office has ‍stated she will not ‍utilize ⁤it. ‍Instead, she is reportedly turning to ⁤the national Democratic‌ attorneys General ⁢Association for financial support.

Her defense will be led by Abbe Lowell, a high-profile attorney who previously represented Hunter Biden, and could command ⁢fees exceeding $1,000 per hour, alongside a $1 million retainer. Some legal experts suggest other attorneys⁢ may‍ offer pro-bono assistance due to the case’s⁤ high profile ‌and political implications.

October 11, 2025 0 comments

News

New York AG Letitia James indicted on fraud charge

by David Harrison – Chief Editor October 10, 2025

written by David Harrison – Chief Editor

New York Attorney General Letitia James Indicted on Fraud Charge

Washington D.C. – New York ⁢Attorney General Letitia James has been indicted on a fraud charge, the ⁢Justice Department⁢ announced today. The charges stem from allegations of intentional criminal acts and breaches of public trust, according to a statement released by the department, which affirmed its commitment⁤ to following the facts⁤ and ⁣the law to ⁣ensure‍ justice is served.

The indictment arrives amid heightened political tensions, with former President Donald Trump having repeatedly⁤ called for James’s prosecution for months, publicly stating she was‍ “guilty as hell” and “guilty of something” without providing evidence. The Justice‌ Department is simultaneously investigating federal Reserve Board member Lisa Cook and Senator ⁤Adam ⁣Schiff (D-Calif.) on separate allegations, which their representatives⁤ have dismissed as false and debunked.

James is a particularly visible target due‌ to her repeated legal challenges against ⁢Trump and his administration. As New York Attorney General, she filed dozens of lawsuits against the ‍former president. Last year, she secured a meaningful judgment against Trump and his companies, alleging they defrauded banks by inflating the‌ value of‍ his real estate holdings.While an appeals court overturned the original fine of over ‍$500 ‍million (including interest), it upheld the lower court’s finding that Trump had committed fraud.⁢

The indictment against James follows a day after former⁣ FBI Director James Comey made his first court appearance in ⁢a case accusing him of lying to ⁢Congress in 2020.Comey’s legal team intends to seek dismissal of the charges, arguing the⁤ prosecution is politically motivated and directed by the president.

October 10, 2025 0 comments

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Letitia James

Letitia james Avoids Indictment as Grand Jury⁣ Declines to Act

Ex-Trump Lawyer Habba Removed as ‍New Jersey’s acting U.S. ‍Attorney

States Sue Trump⁤ Governance Over changes to Homelessness Funding

Letitia James Seeks Dismissal of Mortgage Fraud Indictment, Alleging‍ Politically ⁤Motivated Prosecution

New​ York Attorney⁤ General Letitia James Faces‍ Fraud Charges Over Virginia Property Disclosure

New York Attorney General Letitia James Indicted on Fraud Charge

New York Attorney⁤ General Letitia James Faces‍ Fraud Charges Over Virginia Property Disclosure