Justice Department's Attempt to Re-Indict NY Attorney General Fails
The U.S. Justice Department encountered a significant setback on Thursday when it failed to secure a new criminal indictment against New York Attorney General Letitia James. This development follows a federal judge's earlier decision to dismiss a prior mortgage fraud prosecution against James, a case that had been encouraged by former President Donald Trump.
A Case Dismissed on Procedural Grounds
Prosecutors returned to a grand jury in Norfolk, Virginia after a judge's ruling that halted the prosecutions of both James and another longtime Trump adversary, former FBI Director James Comey. The judge determined that the U.S. attorney who originally presented the cases to the grand jury was illegally appointed. The Justice Department retains the option to go back to the grand jury to try again, according to a source familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity.
James was initially charged in October 2025 by a U.S. attorney installed by the Trump administration. This official replaced a prosecutor who had resigned under pressure to bring criminal cases against both Comey and James. Following her initial charge, James pleaded not guilty in U.S. District Court in Norfolk on Friday, October 24, 2025.
Allegations of Political Motivations
Throughout the proceedings, Letitia James has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. She and her supporters have accused the Trump administration of weaponizing the justice system to seek revenge against political opponents. The failure to secure a new indictment this week represents a notable moment in this ongoing legal and political conflict.
The core facts of the case remain centered on the allegations of mortgage fraud. However, the legal proceedings have been overshadowed by debates over the proper appointment of prosecutors and the potential for political interference in the judicial process. Observers will be watching closely to see if the Justice Department makes another attempt to bring the case before a grand jury.
