New York AG James Tackles Trump Probe by Questioning Her Own Prosecutor's Legitimacy
New York Attorney General Letitia James' bid to scrutinize her own investigation into President Donald Trump has taken an unexpected turn. She is now disputing the legitimacy of John Sarcone, the acting US attorney tasked with investigating cases she brought against Trump and the National Rifle Association.
Sarcone, who has no prior prosecutorial experience, was appointed by US Attorney General Pam Bondi to lead the Albany-based office without undergoing Senate confirmation. James' lawyers claim that Sarcone's appointment is invalid due to a lack of formal authorization from the judges in the Northern District of New York.
This dispute highlights a contentious issue surrounding Trump's approach to appointing federal prosecutors, bypassing traditional Senate confirmation processes to install loyalists. The move has raised concerns over conflicts and the politicization of the justice system.
James faces charges in Virginia related to mortgage fraud allegations she claims are politically motivated, while Sarcone is probing cases against her that date back to 2022. A judge recently fined Trump more than $350 million in a civil lawsuit, with an appeal currently pending.
Experts warn that the appointment of acting US attorneys without Senate confirmation could lead to challenges and conflicts. "Both Sarcone and Habba are obviously political players," said Richard Swanson, president of the New York County Lawyers Association. "They're important to the Trump administration and to the achievement of its goals."
Sarcone has expressed confidence in his appointment, stating that he believes it would withstand any legal challenges. However, James' challenge raises questions about the legitimacy of her own prosecution and the motivations behind Sarcone's investigation.
New York Attorney General Letitia James' bid to scrutinize her own investigation into President Donald Trump has taken an unexpected turn. She is now disputing the legitimacy of John Sarcone, the acting US attorney tasked with investigating cases she brought against Trump and the National Rifle Association.
Sarcone, who has no prior prosecutorial experience, was appointed by US Attorney General Pam Bondi to lead the Albany-based office without undergoing Senate confirmation. James' lawyers claim that Sarcone's appointment is invalid due to a lack of formal authorization from the judges in the Northern District of New York.
This dispute highlights a contentious issue surrounding Trump's approach to appointing federal prosecutors, bypassing traditional Senate confirmation processes to install loyalists. The move has raised concerns over conflicts and the politicization of the justice system.
James faces charges in Virginia related to mortgage fraud allegations she claims are politically motivated, while Sarcone is probing cases against her that date back to 2022. A judge recently fined Trump more than $350 million in a civil lawsuit, with an appeal currently pending.
Experts warn that the appointment of acting US attorneys without Senate confirmation could lead to challenges and conflicts. "Both Sarcone and Habba are obviously political players," said Richard Swanson, president of the New York County Lawyers Association. "They're important to the Trump administration and to the achievement of its goals."
Sarcone has expressed confidence in his appointment, stating that he believes it would withstand any legal challenges. However, James' challenge raises questions about the legitimacy of her own prosecution and the motivations behind Sarcone's investigation.