Baltimore, MD – In an unusual and strongly articulated criticism of federal officials, Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown is at the forefront of a coalition comprising 21 state attorneys general, denouncing what they label as a politically charged and abusive investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
Today, the coalition issued an open letter that takes aim at the recent actions of the DOJ, which they contend are designed to retaliate against Attorney General James for her prominent legal successes against former President Donald Trump and his business ventures. The letter describes the DOJ’s investigation as ‘a campaign of intimidation’ and highlights a troubling politicization of the federal justice system.
“Repulsed and Alarmed”
“As lawyers, public servants, and defenders of the rule of law, we are repulsed and alarmed,” the letter reads, “by the efforts of the U.S. Department of Justice to engage the machinery of criminal law enforcement in a campaign of intimidation against our colleague.”
The coalition points to a recent criminal investigation reportedly launched by the DOJ against AG James, asserting that the probe is driven not by evidence or legal merit, but by political vendettas. Specifically, the group criticizes Edward R. Martin Jr., director of the DOJ’s “Weaponization Working Group,” who is leading the investigation. They describe Martin’s conduct as “showmanship” that undermines the integrity and impartiality of the department.
Letitia James, the first Black woman to serve as New York’s Attorney General, led a civil fraud case against Donald Trump and his businesses, resulting in a court judgment of hundreds of millions of dollars. The attorneys general say the federal investigation into her actions appears to be retaliatory, signaling a shift in DOJ priorities toward targeting those who hold powerful figures accountable.
“Every aspect of the Department’s campaign against AG James makes plain that it is not rooted in any legitimate suspicion of wrongdoing: President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi are both on record having made public threats against AG James. A sensitive investigation against a state official would normally be entrusted to an impartial and responsible prosecutor, but in this case the Department tapped Mr. Martin, a political operative with no practical experience as a prosecutor and no regard for the norms of the profession. In the face of Mr. Martin’s escalating antics and threats, the Department has only confirmed its continued support for his efforts.
As the attorneys general and chief legal officers of our respective states, we know that the people rely on prosecutorial authorities to wield the power of government to protect the public interest, without fear or favor. Deploying the power of the government in pursuit of personal vendettas, to achieve political ends, or to thwart the enforcement of state law is an abuse of that trust, “said California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
A Unified Legal Stand
The letter emphasizes the broader implications of the DOJ’s actions, warning that using federal prosecutorial power as a political weapon erodes public trust in law enforcement and the judicial system.
“Deploying the power of the government in pursuit of personal vendettas, to achieve political ends, or to thwart the enforcement of state law is an abuse of that trust,” the letter states. “The wheels of justice must never become a tool of political and personal retribution.”
The coalition calls on the DOJ to immediately cease its investigation into AG James and urges other officials to oppose political misuse of the justice system.
In addition to Maryland, attorneys general from the following states signed onto the letter:
Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaiʻi, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
The full letter is available online.
