New York Attorney General Letitia James has been criminally indicted on bank fraud charges, sparking immediate backlash from her critics. In a public statement, James labeled the prosecution as “political retribution” and accused federal authorities of being manipulated by the president to target her.

James claimed the indictment reflects a broader pattern of “weaponization of our justice system,” asserting that her work as attorney general had drawn retaliation. She emphasized that her office’s investigation into former President Donald Trump and the Trump Organization was conducted “based on the facts and evidence – not politics.” However, she did not address the specific allegations against her.

The indictment has reignited scrutiny over James’ leadership, particularly her role in high-profile legal actions against conservative figures. Critics have highlighted her previous aggressive pursuit of Trump, including a two-year investigation that resulted in a court ruling against him and his company.

James concluded her statement by vowing to “fight these baseless charges aggressively,” while reiterating her commitment to protecting New Yorkers. The controversy underscores growing tensions over the politicization of legal proceedings and the accountability of public officials.