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By Anna Commander and Gabe Whisnant
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A federal grand jury in Virginia declined Thursday to hand up a new indictment against New York Attorney General Letitia James, according to multiple news outlets.
Prosecutors brought the matter back to the panel less than two weeks after the initial case against her was thrown out. James—a frequent political adversary of President Donald Trump—had previously faced counts of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution. She has denied the allegations.
Newsweek reached out to the Department of Justice (DOJ) via online form Thursday evening for comment.
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Why It Matters
The decision by the federal grand jury in Virginia not to indict James marks a significant moment in an ongoing legal saga that has intersected with national political divisions and questions over the appointment of federal prosecutors.
James, a Democrat and high-profile critic of Trump, has faced repeated attempts at federal prosecution that have drawn scrutiny for being allegedly driven by political objectives and irregular federal prosecutorial appointments. Trump and Republican leaders have also accused the Biden administration of weaponizing the DOJ and targeting the president and his allies.
What To Know
Thursday's decision comes less than two weeks after a federal judge dismissed the initial indictment against New York's attorney general, ruling it void because the prosecutor, Lindsey Halligan, had been unlawfully appointed as acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia by Trump and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, NBC News reports.
Halligan, who had no prosecutorial experience and formerly worked as Trump's personal attorney, had presented the original case, NBC News added.
The grand jury's refusal to indict does not rule out any future attempts by prosecutors.
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What People Are Saying
Ryan Goodman, chaired professor of NYU Law, on X Thursday: "Whatever you may think about the Tish James case, the defense's legal claims of vindictive prosecution and the evidence of a corrupt use of DOJ power just got ... stronger (trying a second indictment) and stronger (grand jury denial) and stronger (DOJ determined to try again)."
James, on X in October: "This isn’t about me. It’s about all of us. It’s about a justice system which has been weaponized. A justice system which has been used as a tool of revenge. My faith is strong. I have belief in the justice system and the rule of law."
Trump, on Truth Social in October: "Corrupt Letitia James is costing New York State Hundreds of Billions of Dollars in lost business. No company or individual wants to be there, knowing that she’s the 'Attorney General.' She is a Complete and Total Disaster, who tried running against Kathy Hochul for Governor, and only got 1% of the Vote in Polls, and QUIT. She then went back to her WITCH HUNT against President Donald J. Trump, and others. Until this 'SCUM' is removed from the Attorney General’s Office, no company will move to New York, and few companies will be using the New York Stock Exchange, or NASDAQ, for going Public. The new Texas Exchange will be taking ALL of this business away, and we’re talking Hundreds of Billions of Dollars!"
What Happens Next
The Justice Department could pursue another grand jury presentation against James, although the failure to secure an indictment after two attempts could potentially raise practical and legal obstacles.
Update 12/4/25, 6:51 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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