New York Attorney General Letitia James announced today that her office is formally challenging the validity of federal grand jury subpoenas issued in connection with ongoing civil investigations into the Trump Organization and the National Rifle Association (NRA).
The subpoenas, signed by Acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone, demanded records from the Attorney General’s office related to regulatory lawsuits filed against both entities.
Attorney General James contends that the subpoenas are unlawfully issued because Sarcone’s appointment as Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York was improper. The challenge argues that the Trump Administration circumvented established legal procedures to install Sarcone, raising questions about the legitimacy of his authority to oversee federal investigations.
“The people of New York deserve to know that justice is being pursued fairly, without political interference or unlawful maneuvering,” said Attorney General James. “We will not allow improper appointments or overreach to undermine the integrity of our investigations.”
The FBI served two grand jury subpoenas to the Attorney General’s office seeking documents tied to civil cases against the Trump Organization and NRA. James is contesting Sarcone’s authority, asserting that if his appointment is invalid, the subpoenas themselves must also be quashed.
Oral arguments began today in Albany federal court, with Judge Lorna Schofield presiding over the matter. This dispute follows a series of federal court rulings disqualifying other Trump-appointed U.S. attorneys across the country, citing unlawful appointments.
The federal court will determine whether Sarcone’s appointment was lawful and, by extension, whether the subpoenas issued under his authority are enforceable. A ruling in favor of Attorney General James could significantly impact the trajectory of federal involvement in New York’s civil cases against Trump and the NRA.