Former President Donald Trump announced his endorsement of Republican Saritha Komatireddy for New York Attorney General on Friday, aiming to unseat his political adversary, Letitia James. Trump declared his "complete and total endorsement" on his social media platform, Truth Social.
"Between Kathy Hochul and the Most Corrupt Attorney General in the Country, Letitia James, it has gone to HELL!" Trump wrote, criticizing James, who successfully sued him and The Trump Organization in 2022 for allegedly inflating asset values on financial statements to secure better loans. While an appeals court later overturned the nearly $465 million financial penalty, ruling it excessive, Trump continued to attack James's record.
Trump characterized James as the "WORST Attorney General in our Country" and a "Complete and Total Disaster," alleging she abandoned a gubernatorial bid after poor poll numbers. He contrasted her tenure with Komatireddy, highlighting Komatireddy's qualifications as a former federal prosecutor, Drug Enforcement Administration chief of staff, and a former clerk for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Trump stated that Komatireddy would prioritize "LAW AND ORDER," economic growth, support for law enforcement, border security, and Second Amendment rights.
Komatireddy, who has been critical of James's handling of state fraud investigations, expressed gratitude for Trump's endorsement. "I was honored to be nominated to be a federal judge by the President in 2020 and I’m honored to receive his endorsement today," Komatireddy posted on X. "I’m working hard to win the support of all New Yorkers and defeat Letitia James this November."
Trump's endorsement of Komatireddy, whom he previously nominated for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York in 2020, intensifies his ongoing feud with the Democratic attorney general. He has publicly called for James to be prosecuted over mortgage fraud allegations.