New York Attorney General Letitia James stood firm on Wednesday, refusing to reverse course in her ongoing legal battles against President-elect Donald Trump, pledging to confront any potential “revenge or retribution” head-on.
At a press conference, James candidly admitted, “we did not expect this result” in the election, but remained steadfast, declaring, “we are prepared to respond,” and that she is “not fearful of Donald Trump.”
Her response comes in the wake of reports that Special Counsel Jack Smith is planning to shut down both federal cases against Trump before his inauguration, and likely resign before the President-elect fires him.
“We faced this challenge before, and we used the rule of law to fight back,” she told reporters. “As the attorney general of this great state, it is my job to protect and defend the rights of New Yorkers and the rule of law.”
After noting that she “will not shrink from that responsibility,” James pointed out that between 2019 and 2021, her office took nearly 100 legal actions against Trump’s initial administration.
Reflecting on these experiences, James expressed confidence in understanding the incoming Trump administration’s tactics, stating she has a contingency plan ready for any attacks.
“‘We’re ready to respond to any attempts to cut or eliminate funding to the great state of New York,” she added. “Despite what has happened on the national stage, we will continue to stand tall in the face of injustice, revenge or retribution.”
James previously secured a $454 million civil fraud judgment against Trump, accusing him of inflating his net worth for better loan terms. She went after Trump’s properties, like the Westchester golf club, for asset seizure.
During September’s court proceedings, New York appeals judges expressed skepticism about the state’s case, questioning the law’s constraints used against Trump.
Trump is also appealing two jury verdicts totaling nearly $90 million, related to sexual assault and defamation of columnist E. Jean Carroll.
Watch James’ full press conference here:
