DOJ launches investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James

The Trump administration formally subpoenaed the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James on Friday, as part of a Department of Justice’s probe into the longtime Trump adversary. The subpoenas came nearly two years after James successfully prosecuted President Donald Trump on civil fraud charges. Trump was sentenced to pay over $350 million in fines as a result of the conviction.

What is the DOJ investigating? The U.S. Attorney’s office issued two grand jury subpoenas to learn more about James’ investigations into the Trump Organization and the National Rifle Association. James’ attorney, Abbe Lowell, reportedly described the subpoenas as Trump’s use of the DOJ for political retribution. Punishing an elected official for doing her job is a dangerous escalation from the Trump administration, she added.

Dig deeper: Read Josh Schumacher’s report for more background on Trump’s civil fraud conviction and sentencing.