In the 64-page complaint filed with the New York Bar Association, Stefanik accuses James of “conducting a biased investigation and prosecution” of Trump, which she says is evidenced by attacking him through dozens of “highly inappropriate and prejudicial comments on social media” made while the legal proceedings were ongoing. Stefanik is petitioning the Attorney Grievance Committee to launch an investigation and issue an immediate interim suspension or disbar James. “The investigation and trial of President Trump are matters of enormous public interest and concern. All citizens, including Ms. James, have rights under the First Amendment to speak freely on matters of public interest and concern. However, as a licensed attorney, Ms. James is subject to special rules and responsibilities under New York’s Rules of Professional Conduct,” Stefanik wrote. “These rules create specific restrictions that apply only to attorneys, not to ordinary citizens or members of the general public,” she noted. “As set forth herein, Ms. James’ conduct appears to violate her special responsibilities as an attorney, and her actions warrant discipline.”U.S. House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) has filed a formal complaint against New York State Attorney General Leticia James for allegedly violating rules of professional conduct in her prosecution of former President Donald Trump.
James brought a $250 million civil lawsuit against Trump in late 2022, alleging a pattern of financial misconduct.
The allegations concerned Trump's Mar-a-Lago property in Florida, which James' office asserted was intentionally overvalued on loan applications and financial statements. In Stefanik's complaint, James is described as having a “personal vendetta” against Trump since he was elected president. The filing describes a “die-in” protest led by James before she became a candidate for Attorney General which was held, as stated by James, because “we are all being killed by this administration.” As listed in the document, James also openly bragged about her dedication to “resisting” Trump, stating, “I’ve been leading the resistance against Donald Trump in NYC and will only continue to do so in every way possible.” Stefanik explains that while campaigning for attorney general, James made a key part of her platform attacking Trump and promising to launch investigations into him, pledging to “focus on Donald Trump” and “follow his money.” In a statement posted to X, Stefanik, who is considered to be a potential vice president pick for Trump, said, “As a Representative of New York committed to upholding the integrity of our legal system, I have found New York Attorney General Letitia James’ handling of the investigation and trial of President Donald Trump nothing short of shameful. It is evident that Attorney General James violated fundamental principles of fairness and impartiality by engaging in a relentless lawfare campaign against President Trump, marked by over 50 prejudicial comments on social media during just the first five weeks of the trial.”Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
