Grand juries deliver back-to-back rejections to Department of Justice (DOJ) attempts to re-indict Trump foe Letitia James, exposing cracks in the push for accountability against politicized prosecutors.
Story Snapshot
- Second grand jury in a week declines to indict New York AG Letitia James on bank fraud charges.
- The judge previously dismissed the original indictments due to the illegal appointment of prosecutor Lindsey Halligan.
- James, who targeted Trump with a massive fraud lawsuit, calls the case a “stain” on the Justice Department.
- Prosecutors evaluate next steps amid public skepticism of the evidence against Trump critics.
- Similar setbacks hit efforts to re-indict former FBI Director James Comey.
Grand Jury Rejects Indictment Again
A grand jury in Alexandria, Virginia, declined to re-indict New York Attorney General Letitia James. This marks the second rejection in a week, following a Norfolk grand jury’s refusal.
The decision delivers a significant setback to DOJ efforts targeting President Trump’s political opponents. Sources familiar with the case confirmed the outcome, highlighting the citizen panels’ unwillingness to endorse the charges after reviewing the evidence.
Justice Department again fails to re-indict New York Attorney General Letitia Jameshttps://t.co/qj81QeaE2w pic.twitter.com/pc4YG0Mqv7
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) December 12, 2025
Background on Dismissed Charges
U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie dismissed the original indictments against James and James Comey in November 2025. The judge ruled that prosecutor Lindsey Halligan’s appointment as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia was illegal.
Halligan, a former Trump lawyer lacking prosecutorial experience, replaced interim U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert. Siebert resigned in September amid administration pressure to pursue cases against Trump critics like James, who prosecuted Trump over alleged business fraud.
James faces charges of bank fraud and false statements tied to a 2020 home purchase. Prosecutors allege she signed a “second home rider” promising personal use for one year, but rented the property to a family.
This allowed her favorable loan terms unavailable for investments. James denies wrongdoing. Her lawyer, Abbe Lowell, stated the rejection proves the case never merited prosecution and questions the Justice Department’s integrity.
James’ History with Trump
Letitia James, a Democrat, enraged Trump after his first term by suing over claims he inflated asset values to banks. She secured a massive judgment, later overturned by a higher court, with appeals ongoing.
James’ lawyers argue the prosecution is vindictive retribution against a Trump investigator. The timing aligns with Halligan’s installation amid Trump’s public calls for action against opponents, raising concerns over politicized justice.
Parallel Comey Case Stumbles
Efforts to re-indict former FBI Director James Comey face separate hurdles. Comey faces charges of lying to Congress in 2020. A federal judge barred prosecutors from accessing files of Comey’s associate, Daniel Richman.
Prosecutors call this an obstruction tactic and seek to quash the order. These failures underscore grand juries’ and judges’ resistance to what critics portray as revenge-driven cases, protecting due process principles central to conservative values of limited government interference.
Prosecutors stand by the charges and assess third attempts at indictment. Halligan’s Senate confirmation for U.S. attorney proceeds despite obstacles.
These developments affirm checks and balances, preventing overreach even against figures who weaponized lawfare against President Trump. Americans value justic,e blind to politics, and citizen grand juries have spoken clearly on the weakness of this evidence.
