Another legal setback for the Department of Justice came on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, when a federal grand jury declined to reindict New York Attorney General Letitia James.
The development effectively blocks prosecutors’ second attempt to pursue criminal charges against the Democratic official.
The case follows a mortgage fraud indictment previously dismissed by U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie in November, who ruled that federal prosecutor Lindsey Halligan had been unlawfully appointed.
The grand jury’s refusal underscores growing judicial scrutiny over the DOJ’s handling of politically sensitive cases.
James, a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, called the efforts “baseless” and denounced them as part of the “unchecked weaponisation of our justice system to stop” political opponents.
Her attorney, Abbe Lowell, hailed the decision as “a decisive rejection of a case that should never have existed” and warned that any further attempts would threaten the rule of law and judicial integrity.
In a statement following the dismissal, James said that charges against her by the DOJ have always been baseless.
It is time for this unchecked weaponization of our justice system to stop. she said. I am grateful to the members of the grand jury and humbled by the support I have received from across the country. Now, I will continue to do my job standing up for the rule of law and the people of New York.”
The legal controversy traces back to a civil fraud case James brought against Trump and his family business.
In 2024, a judge ordered Trump to pay $450 million after finding he had inflated his net worth to mislead lenders. While a New York appeals court later overturned the penalty, it upheld the finding that Trump was liable for fraud.
Trump has repeatedly labeled both the civil and criminal cases as politically motivated “witch-hunts,” part of a broader effort he claims targets his critics.
Other high-profile figures, including former FBI Director James Comey and former National Security Adviser John Bolton, have faced federal charges in recent months, with Comey’s case also dismissed due to Halligan’s improper appointment.
Despite Thursday’s grand jury decision, Reuters reports that federal prosecutors may still attempt to bring a new indictment against James.
