New York Attorney General Letitia James has been criminally indicted on charges of bank fraud, according to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s office of the Eastern District of Virginia. In response, James issued a video statement condemning the indictment as an act of “political retribution” and accused federal authorities of “weaponizing our justice system.”

James stated, “This is nothing more than a continuation of the president’s desperate weaponization of our justice system. He is forcing federal law enforcement agencies to do his bidding, all because I did my job as the New York State Attorney General. These charges are baseless, and the president’s own public statements make clear that his only goal is political retribution at any cost.”

She further criticized the replacement of a U.S. Attorney who refused to pursue charges against her, asserting that the decision “is antithetical to the bedrock principles of our country.” James emphasized her office’s investigation into the Trump Organization, noting that judges have upheld findings of fraud by Donald Trump, his company, and his sons.

“I stand strongly behind my office’s litigation against the Trump Organization,” she said. “We conducted a two-year investigation based on the facts and evidence – not politics. I am a proud woman of faith, and I know that faith and fear cannot share the same space. Today I am not fearful, I am fearless…”

James concluded by vowing to “fight these baseless charges aggressively” and reaffirming her commitment to protecting New Yorkers.