Letitia James Challenges Donald Trump Once More
As the president navigates his early weeks in office, New York Democrats are urging the attorney general to intervene.
TroibNews 
NEW YORK — New York State Attorney General Letitia James is actively involved in legal actions against President Donald Trump, including joining one lawsuit that opposes Trump's birthright citizenship ban and leading another that challenges his extensive funding freeze. She has also issued a warning about potential lawsuits if Trump seeks local help with federal immigration raids.
These actions have occurred since Trump's inauguration on January 20.
Recognized as a significant player in New York politics, James has already triumphed in a major lawsuit against Trump in 2024, which has led politicians, labor leaders, and strategists to keep a close watch on her moves. As she equips herself to advocate for New York's interests amidst a Trump administration, her position as attorney general—usually front-page news—has made her a notable candidate for even higher office, such as governor, U.S. Senator, or mayor of New York City.
Her early actions during Trump's presidency and insights shared in a recent interview with PMG indicate that she is prepared to take on a leading role. This contrasts sharply with the responses of some local officials, like New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who have been less vocal in their opposition to Trump.
James’ role as a steadfast opponent of the president comes as a source of comfort for many in her party, who view her as a "resistance hero" willing to confront Trump in court when others have hesitated. Some see her as strategically positioned to leverage her history with Trump to secure gains for New York.
“It’s her moment to own,” said Assemblymember Brian Cunningham, a Democrat from Brooklyn. “And an opportunity for the attorney general to show the power of the office to protect the citizens from any unfair federal attacks.”
On January 23, James announced a $7.4 billion settlement with a pharmaceutical company related to its contribution to the opioid crisis, signaling the continuity of her office's work despite Trump’s influence. Before exiting the briefing room, she delivered a sharp statement, signed by ten other Democratic prosecutors, indicating they would take action if Trump sought local law enforcement assistance for federal immigration raids.
James added, “We are not individuals who are the face of resistance. We are willing to work with the office of President Trump. But when it comes to any violation of the United States Constitution,” she emphasized, “or the rights of vulnerable and marginalized populations, including but not limited to the immigrant communities, we will enforce the law.”
Her concluding remarks highlighted her commitment to intervene if she believes Trump is in breach of the law.
Elected attorney general during Trump's first term, James is characterized as a resistance leader, a label she might not fully embrace, but it resonates nonetheless. Merchandise such as votive candles featuring her likeness and coffee mugs inscribed with messages directed at Trump have become available online. She faces the challenge of weighing how aggressive to be while other Democrats are regrouping after setbacks in the previous elections.
This situation unfolds as Trump and his allies intensify pressure to deter opposition, threatening retribution against perceived enemies.
James occupies a unique position among New York Democrats willing to serve as a notable anti-Trump figure. Throughout Trump's initial term, she engaged in numerous lawsuits against the administration, claiming an 80 percent success rate. In 2022, she took legal action against Trump, his family, and his business on allegations of fraudulent financial practices, resulting in a victory, though Trump continues to contest the substantial judgement against him.
While Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has also pursued legal actions against Trump, he lacks James' political savvy. Gov. Kathy Hochul maintains a more amicable relationship with Trump regarding infrastructure funding, and Adams, in contrast, has sought alignment with him.
Among prominent New York Democrats like Sen. Chuck Schumer, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, James appears to have garnered Trump's attention more than any of them.
However, that recognition comes with risks. Trump has suggested that James deserves to be “arrested and punished,” and has called for her prosecution, asserting she interfered in the election. Some of his supporters have responded even more harshly.
“I will kill you if you even dare to permanently steal Donald Trump’s assets,” a man from Western New York texted James last year, as reported by The Buffalo News. After being caught, he pleaded guilty to the death threats.
“Yeah, my life has been threatened,” James said in her interview with PMG. “But at the end of the day, you can’t be paralyzed by fear.”
Aside from her ongoing conflicts with Trump, James has solidified her reputation as a fierce advocate against bullying, engaging in significant legal battles against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and successfully challenging the National Rifle Association. While Adams has distanced himself from the Democratic Party and lessened tensions with Trump, James has not hesitated to label him with terms like "fascist," describing his behavior in an October interview as exhibiting “characteristics that can best be described as fascist.”
Trump has crafted his counter-narrative against James into a "Meet Letitia James" section on his website, asserting that her lawsuits against him are unjust and referencing her earlier campaign comments about “removing this president from office.” James stands by her campaign rhetoric, stating, “The reality is that was a campaign. When you walk into this office you’ve got to leave your political affiliation at the door.”
In legal terms, she has been victorious—Trump’s attempts to dismiss the case alleging political bias were rejected, and he was found guilty of fraud. However, politically, Trump appears to have gained traction: his conduct failed to disqualify him in the eyes of many voters, and James' legal actions have been woven into his narrative of elite persecution.
“I don’t think anyone did more to help elect Donald Trump president of the United States than Alvin Bragg and Tish James,” Rep. Mike Lawler stated during a January appearance on Fox News.
Despite her case against Trump not preventing his resurgence, some voices within the business community believe that Trump’s reluctance to settle could offer James leverage, according to Kathy Wylde, a supporter of James and head of the Partnership for New York City.
“She’s in a negotiating position,” Wylde told PMG, reflecting on discussions in corporate circles. “If it comes to an opportunity to make a grand bargain on behalf of our city and state, she’s in a good position to lead that effort — if in fact Washington carries through on some of our worst fears, like defunding sanctuary cities.”
The trajectory of James' future remains uncertain, but she has definitively ruled out running for mayor of New York City.
After a push from various factions, including labor union members and insiders from Hochul's circle, to encourage her candidacy for City Hall developed in September and October, James opted to remain in her role as attorney general, even as scandals involving Adams and Cuomo surfaced.
In her latest remarks to PMG, James expressed her commitment to her current responsibilities.
“People asked me, I was humbled by it and honored by that. But right now, I put my head down, and I’m focusing,” she said.
When questioned about a potential gubernatorial run in 2026, she indicated that she will seek reelection as attorney general that year. However, speculations about her political ambitions are unlikely to fade. Previously, she had launched a challenge to Hochul ahead of the 2022 Democratic primary but withdrew months later.
Regardless of future scenarios, James' political aspirations hinge on her continued focus on Trump.
“The role of being the David versus Goliath would be viewed all around the country,” remarked former New York Gov. David Paterson. “That could lead to perhaps an elevation for her in a future Democratic administration somewhere, or even a nomination for something greater than what she’s doing now.”
Yet, the ever-present threats remain a factor.
A few Sundays after Trump's victory, James was invited to be recognized with a blessing during a service at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Brooklyn, alongside Rev. Al Sharpton.
“Lord, let no harm or danger come around her. Let the threats and the idle words of those become ruined,” Senior Pastor Lawrence Aker III prayed in a video shared by Sharpton. “Lord we thank you and we just take your word that no weapon formed against her shall prosper.”
Frederick R Cook contributed to this report for TROIB News
These actions have occurred since Trump's inauguration on January 20.
Recognized as a significant player in New York politics, James has already triumphed in a major lawsuit against Trump in 2024, which has led politicians, labor leaders, and strategists to keep a close watch on her moves. As she equips herself to advocate for New York's interests amidst a Trump administration, her position as attorney general—usually front-page news—has made her a notable candidate for even higher office, such as governor, U.S. Senator, or mayor of New York City.
Her early actions during Trump's presidency and insights shared in a recent interview with PMG indicate that she is prepared to take on a leading role. This contrasts sharply with the responses of some local officials, like New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who have been less vocal in their opposition to Trump.
James’ role as a steadfast opponent of the president comes as a source of comfort for many in her party, who view her as a "resistance hero" willing to confront Trump in court when others have hesitated. Some see her as strategically positioned to leverage her history with Trump to secure gains for New York.
“It’s her moment to own,” said Assemblymember Brian Cunningham, a Democrat from Brooklyn. “And an opportunity for the attorney general to show the power of the office to protect the citizens from any unfair federal attacks.”
On January 23, James announced a $7.4 billion settlement with a pharmaceutical company related to its contribution to the opioid crisis, signaling the continuity of her office's work despite Trump’s influence. Before exiting the briefing room, she delivered a sharp statement, signed by ten other Democratic prosecutors, indicating they would take action if Trump sought local law enforcement assistance for federal immigration raids.
James added, “We are not individuals who are the face of resistance. We are willing to work with the office of President Trump. But when it comes to any violation of the United States Constitution,” she emphasized, “or the rights of vulnerable and marginalized populations, including but not limited to the immigrant communities, we will enforce the law.”
Her concluding remarks highlighted her commitment to intervene if she believes Trump is in breach of the law.
Elected attorney general during Trump's first term, James is characterized as a resistance leader, a label she might not fully embrace, but it resonates nonetheless. Merchandise such as votive candles featuring her likeness and coffee mugs inscribed with messages directed at Trump have become available online. She faces the challenge of weighing how aggressive to be while other Democrats are regrouping after setbacks in the previous elections.
This situation unfolds as Trump and his allies intensify pressure to deter opposition, threatening retribution against perceived enemies.
James occupies a unique position among New York Democrats willing to serve as a notable anti-Trump figure. Throughout Trump's initial term, she engaged in numerous lawsuits against the administration, claiming an 80 percent success rate. In 2022, she took legal action against Trump, his family, and his business on allegations of fraudulent financial practices, resulting in a victory, though Trump continues to contest the substantial judgement against him.
While Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has also pursued legal actions against Trump, he lacks James' political savvy. Gov. Kathy Hochul maintains a more amicable relationship with Trump regarding infrastructure funding, and Adams, in contrast, has sought alignment with him.
Among prominent New York Democrats like Sen. Chuck Schumer, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, James appears to have garnered Trump's attention more than any of them.
However, that recognition comes with risks. Trump has suggested that James deserves to be “arrested and punished,” and has called for her prosecution, asserting she interfered in the election. Some of his supporters have responded even more harshly.
“I will kill you if you even dare to permanently steal Donald Trump’s assets,” a man from Western New York texted James last year, as reported by The Buffalo News. After being caught, he pleaded guilty to the death threats.
“Yeah, my life has been threatened,” James said in her interview with PMG. “But at the end of the day, you can’t be paralyzed by fear.”
Aside from her ongoing conflicts with Trump, James has solidified her reputation as a fierce advocate against bullying, engaging in significant legal battles against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and successfully challenging the National Rifle Association. While Adams has distanced himself from the Democratic Party and lessened tensions with Trump, James has not hesitated to label him with terms like "fascist," describing his behavior in an October interview as exhibiting “characteristics that can best be described as fascist.”
Trump has crafted his counter-narrative against James into a "Meet Letitia James" section on his website, asserting that her lawsuits against him are unjust and referencing her earlier campaign comments about “removing this president from office.” James stands by her campaign rhetoric, stating, “The reality is that was a campaign. When you walk into this office you’ve got to leave your political affiliation at the door.”
In legal terms, she has been victorious—Trump’s attempts to dismiss the case alleging political bias were rejected, and he was found guilty of fraud. However, politically, Trump appears to have gained traction: his conduct failed to disqualify him in the eyes of many voters, and James' legal actions have been woven into his narrative of elite persecution.
“I don’t think anyone did more to help elect Donald Trump president of the United States than Alvin Bragg and Tish James,” Rep. Mike Lawler stated during a January appearance on Fox News.
Despite her case against Trump not preventing his resurgence, some voices within the business community believe that Trump’s reluctance to settle could offer James leverage, according to Kathy Wylde, a supporter of James and head of the Partnership for New York City.
“She’s in a negotiating position,” Wylde told PMG, reflecting on discussions in corporate circles. “If it comes to an opportunity to make a grand bargain on behalf of our city and state, she’s in a good position to lead that effort — if in fact Washington carries through on some of our worst fears, like defunding sanctuary cities.”
The trajectory of James' future remains uncertain, but she has definitively ruled out running for mayor of New York City.
After a push from various factions, including labor union members and insiders from Hochul's circle, to encourage her candidacy for City Hall developed in September and October, James opted to remain in her role as attorney general, even as scandals involving Adams and Cuomo surfaced.
In her latest remarks to PMG, James expressed her commitment to her current responsibilities.
“People asked me, I was humbled by it and honored by that. But right now, I put my head down, and I’m focusing,” she said.
When questioned about a potential gubernatorial run in 2026, she indicated that she will seek reelection as attorney general that year. However, speculations about her political ambitions are unlikely to fade. Previously, she had launched a challenge to Hochul ahead of the 2022 Democratic primary but withdrew months later.
Regardless of future scenarios, James' political aspirations hinge on her continued focus on Trump.
“The role of being the David versus Goliath would be viewed all around the country,” remarked former New York Gov. David Paterson. “That could lead to perhaps an elevation for her in a future Democratic administration somewhere, or even a nomination for something greater than what she’s doing now.”
Yet, the ever-present threats remain a factor.
A few Sundays after Trump's victory, James was invited to be recognized with a blessing during a service at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Brooklyn, alongside Rev. Al Sharpton.
“Lord, let no harm or danger come around her. Let the threats and the idle words of those become ruined,” Senior Pastor Lawrence Aker III prayed in a video shared by Sharpton. “Lord we thank you and we just take your word that no weapon formed against her shall prosper.”
Frederick R Cook contributed to this report for TROIB News
