Federal investigators have interviewed a whistleblower within New York Attorney General Letitia James' office who has alleged he was directed to uncover information that could be used against former President Donald Trump and his allies. The whistleblower, Daniel Wiesenfeld, a former Brooklyn prosecutor and lawyer in James' office, met with criminal and civil attorneys from the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice for several hours on Tuesday, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Wiesenfeld has been placed on paid administrative leave. He reportedly claimed in an email to colleagues that his supervisor, Investor Protection Bureau Chief Shamiso Maswoswe, instructed him to "find and pursue crimes" by Trump allies. The email, which was later deleted, also stated, "If you believe Trump is using the [Department of Justice] attorneys to prosecute his enemies to further his political interests, you should find it equally troubling that Tish [James] is doing exactly the same thing."
The New York Attorney General's office has described the situation as a "personnel matter." In a statement, the office said, "The office of the attorney general is committed to upholding New York’s laws and protecting the rights and freedoms of all New Yorkers, regardless of political beliefs. We strongly reject any assertion to the contrary."
The extent of the federal interest in Wiesenfeld's claims remains unclear. Wiesenfeld has not publicly commented on the allegations, and one of his attorneys stated that his client has no current public comment.
A spokesperson for the Trump administration criticized the actions of James' office, calling it "more proof of the weaponization of the justice system by Letitia James to target President Trump and her political opponents." The spokesperson added, "The far-left Democrats’ lawfare against President Trump, his family must stop."