New York Attorney General Letitia James held a fiery press conference following President-Elect Donald Trump’s historic victory on Tuesday night, during which she outlined her office’s preparations for potential conflicts with the incoming administration.
“So here we are. We’ve studied their platforms. We’ve identified certain possibilities, fact patterns. We’ve created contingency plans. So no matter what the next administration throws at us, we’re ready,” James stated firmly to reporters. “We’re ready to respond to any attempts to cut or eliminate funding to the great state of New York, as the governor has outlined. Despite what has happened on the national stage, we will stand tall against injustice, retaliation, or retribution, and protect the most vulnerable and marginalized among us. This is my sworn duty as Attorney General, and I will work hand-in-hand with Governor Kathy Hochul to uphold that responsibility.”
She added, “This is not a time for fear, New York, but for faith and resolve. As your Attorney General, along with my dedicated team, we stand as guardians of the law. And let me be clear, we are prepared to fight back.”
James ended her remarks by thanking those present and reiterating her commitment to protecting New York’s interests.
Critics have pointed to James’ previous campaign promises to prosecute and convict former President Donald Trump, which culminated in a controversial civil fraud case. Trump was initially fined $100 million after allegations that he inflated the value of his Mar-a-Lago estate. However, loans on the property had been fully repaid with interest, leading many legal and real estate experts to label the case as frivolous. It is widely anticipated that the decision will be overturned on appeal.
Fox News legal analyst criticized the press conference, calling it one of the “most distasteful” responses from an elected official after an electoral defeat. “Letitia James has been fixated on taking down Donald Trump, and she failed. You know how I know? Because Donald Trump won,” the analyst remarked.
