New York Attorney General Letitia James pleads not guilty in mortgage case pushed by Trump

James’ lawyers said the case is politically motivated. She has sued president Trump and his administration multiple times and has consistently denied wrongdoing. “This indictment is nothing more than a continuation of the president’s desperate weaponization of our justice system,” her lawyers quoted her as saying.

Why it matters

The indictment comes after the resignation of Erik Siebert, the US attorney originally overseeing the case, who had resisted pressure from the Trump administration to bring charges. Siebert was replaced by Lindsey Halligan, a former White House aide and Trump lawyer with no prior experience as a federal prosecutor, who presented the case to the grand jury.

Trump publicly called on the US Justice Department to pursue James and other political opponents, posting on social media that the administration “can’t delay any longer, it’s killing our reputation and credibility,” and adding: “JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!”

How the defence is responding

James’ lawyers have filed a motion asking the court to stop prosecutors from sharing information about the investigation with the media and to preserve all communications and records related to the case. They also plan to challenge Halligan’s appointment as US attorney, citing her lack of prosecutorial experience.

Similar steps have been taken in cases against other Trump critics, including former FBI Director James Comey and former national security adviser John Bolton, who have also pleaded not guilty to separate charges.