NEW: Elise Stefanik Takes Official Action Against Letitia James

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) has officially filed a bar complaint against New York Attorney General Letitia James. The bold step is rooted in allegations of professional misconduct and a purportedly biased investigation against former President Donald Trump.

Rep. Stefanik accused James, a Democrat, of engaging in conduct unbecoming of her office by allowing her professional actions to be unduly influenced by personal bias.

“New York Attorney General Letitia James violated the Rules of Professional Conduct by conducting a biased investigation and prosecution of President Trump and by attacking President Trump through extrajudicial statements during a trial,” Stefanik asserted in her meticulously detailed complaint.

The document Stefanik submitted to the Committee on Professional Standards outlined more than 50 prejudicial comments made by James on social media in just the first five weeks of the trial, beginning in October 2023. This, Stefanik argued, not only undermines the integrity of the legal process but also blatantly disregards the ethical obligations that bind James as a licensed attorney.

WATCH:

Central to Stefanik’s complaint is the claim of a “personal vendetta” James holds against Trump. The document cites James’ history of “partisan hostility” prior to her tenure as Attorney General, including leading protests against Trump and making derogatory comments during her campaign.

“Ms. James pursued a personal vendetta against President Trump, highlighted by James’ leadership in protests against Trump and derogatory comments made during her campaign for Attorney General as indicative of a bias that has no place in the legal system,” Stefanik wrote.

Moreover, Stefanik brings to light James’ alleged misconduct through improper trial publicity, accusing her of making repeated public statements aimed at prejudicing the trial. These actions, according to Stefanik, are a clear violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct and cast a shadow over the fairness and integrity of the judiciary.

“This complaint respectfully requests that the Attorney Grievance Committee conduct an investigation and issue an immediate interim suspension, disbar Ms. James as an attorney and counselor-at-law, or suspend Ms. James.”

AG James has been involved in various legal investigations and actions against Trump, his businesses, and associates. Her investigations have focused on several aspects of Trump’s business dealings, including allegations of inflating asset values for loan applications while undervaluing them for tax purposes.

These investigations have been a part of a broader scrutiny of Trump’s business practices, both before and during his presidency.

The primary allegations center on accusations that Trump and his organization engaged in fraudulent practices, particularly in terms of financial reporting. This included claims that Trump inflated the value of his assets on financial statements to secure loans and insurance benefits while undervaluing them for tax purposes.

The investigation has been extensive, examining years of business transactions and practices within the Trump Organization. It involved reviewing financial records, property valuations, tax statements, and other relevant documents.

Trump and his legal team have engaged in various legal maneuvers to challenge the investigation, citing political bias and questioning its legitimacy. If found guilty, the consequences for Trump and his organization could include significant financial penalties and potentially, criminal charges.

The case has been viewed through a political lens, however, with Trump and his supporters claiming it is a politically motivated witch hunt. James has often framed it as a matter of legal and financial ethics, while Trump vehemently denied any wrongdoing.