New York AG Letitia James Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Charges Amid Political Fallout

New York Attorney General Letitia James pleaded not guilty to felony charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution during her arraignment in Virginia. The charges come amid claims that President Donald Trump's administration is using the justice system as a tool of political retribution against his perceived enemies, including James, former FBI Director James Comey, and former National Security Adviser John Bolton. Supporters of James rallied outside the courthouse, protesting what they see as weaponization of the justice system and expressing confidence in her innocence. Legal teams for James and Comey plan to challenge the legitimacy of the interim U.S. Attorney who brought the charges, arguing that the appointment bypassed Senate confirmation requirements. This controversy stems from Trump’s replacement of the prior U.S. attorney overseeing these cases after concerns about evidence strength were raised. The background also includes James' prior civil fraud judgment against Trump, which he has fiercely contested, intensifying his animosity toward her.