The White House has accused New York Attorney General Letitia James of engaging in "lawfare" and weaponizing the justice system, following reports that a prosecutor in her office alleged he was told to "find and pursue crimes" committed by President Trump and his allies. White House representative Lauren Bis stated that this situation is "proof of the weaponization of the justice system by Letitia James to target President Trump and her political opponents," and that the "far-left Democrats’ lawfare against President Trump, his family, and allies must stop."
The controversy emerged after Daniel Wiesenfeld, a former prosecutor in James's Investor Protection Bureau, was reportedly placed on administrative leave. Wiesenfeld allegedly sent an email to approximately 2,000 colleagues claiming that his bureau chief, Shamiso Maswoswe, instructed him to pursue cases against individuals and organizations connected to Trump. According to the alleged email, Wiesenfeld drew a parallel between Trump's alleged use of Department of Justice attorneys and James's actions.
The New York Attorney General's office has characterized the situation as a personnel matter. In a statement, a spokesperson for 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."
Shamiso Maswoswe, who reportedly worked as a DOJ attorney during Trump's first term, was dismissed in December 2017. She subsequently filed a lawsuit against the administration, alleging sex, race, and parent discrimination, and received a $795,000 settlement in 2023.
Trump and James have a history of political rivalry. Former President Donald Trump was seen speaking at Manhattan Criminal Court.
