Amid Trump Legal Battles, NY AG James Criticizes DOJ's Real Estate Probe

David

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Post on May 21, 2025

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Amid Trump Legal Battles, NY AG James Criticizes DOJ's Real Estate Probe

Letitia James expresses concerns over the pace and scope of the federal investigation into Donald Trump's business dealings.

The ongoing legal battles surrounding Donald Trump have taken another twist, with New York Attorney General Letitia James voicing her dissatisfaction with the Department of Justice's (DOJ) investigation into the former president's real estate practices. James, who filed a sweeping civil lawsuit against Trump and his company alleging widespread fraud, publicly criticized the DOJ's probe, raising questions about its effectiveness and potential overlap with her own ongoing case.

This development adds another layer of complexity to the already intricate web of legal challenges facing Trump. The former president is currently navigating multiple investigations and lawsuits, including the DOJ's investigation into the January 6th Capitol attack and the handling of classified documents. The New York Attorney General's case, however, focuses specifically on allegations of financial fraud within the Trump Organization.

Concerns over DOJ's Approach

AG James has expressed concerns that the DOJ's real estate probe is moving too slowly and may not fully encompass the breadth of alleged wrongdoing detailed in her own lawsuit. The New York investigation alleges that Trump and his company systematically inflated the value of assets to secure loans and minimized valuations for tax purposes – a practice known as "fraudulent asset valuation." James’s office has already secured a significant victory with a court order requiring Trump and his children to sit for depositions.

"We believe a thorough investigation is necessary to uncover the full extent of the fraudulent conduct, and we are concerned that the DOJ’s approach may not achieve that goal," a spokesperson for the AG's office stated. The statement highlights a potential tension between the state and federal investigations, raising questions about whether the parallel probes could lead to conflicting outcomes or potentially hinder the overall pursuit of justice.

Overlapping Investigations and Potential Conflicts

The overlap between the state and federal investigations presents a complicated legal landscape. While the DOJ’s investigation focuses on potential criminal charges, AG James's lawsuit seeks civil penalties, including a potential ban on Trump from operating businesses in New York. The differing objectives and legal standards could lead to different conclusions, potentially leaving some aspects of the alleged wrongdoing unaddressed. Legal experts are closely watching to see how the two investigations will ultimately interact and whether any coordination will occur between the DOJ and the New York Attorney General's office.

<h3>What's Next?</h3>

The future of both investigations remains uncertain. The DOJ's investigation is ongoing, and it's unclear when, or if, any charges will be filed. Meanwhile, AG James's civil lawsuit continues to progress, with depositions and further legal maneuvering expected. The coming months will be crucial in determining the outcome of these critical cases and their potential implications for Donald Trump and his business empire.

The situation underscores the significant legal challenges facing Trump, and the potential for conflicting or complementary investigations to shape the trajectory of his legal battles. This is a developing story, and we will continue to provide updates as they become available. Stay informed on the latest developments in this complex legal saga by following our news updates.

Keywords: Donald Trump, Letitia James, DOJ, Department of Justice, New York Attorney General, real estate, investigation, fraud, Trump Organization, legal battle, January 6th, classified documents, civil lawsuit, criminal charges, asset valuation, financial fraud.