Bondi Names Special Prosecutor in Mortgage Fraud Cases Against Schiff, James

Both Democrats have denied the allegations and accused the Trump administration of weaponizing the Justice Department against them — a claim Trump made against them during his own criminal and civil cases.

“Any weaponization of the justice system should disturb every American,” a spokesperson for James said at the time. “We stand strongly behind our successful litigation against the Trump Organization and the National Rifle Association, and we will continue to stand up for New Yorkers’ rights.”

In a separate statement, James’ personal attorney, Abbe D. Lowell, called the subpoenas “improper.”

“Investigating the fraud case Attorney General James won against President Trump and his businesses has to be the most blatant and desperate example of this administration carrying out the president’s political retribution campaign,” Lowell said. “Weaponizing the Department of Justice to try to punish an elected official for doing her job is an attack on the rule of law and a dangerous escalation by this administration.”