New York Representative and US House Republican Conference chair Elise Stefanik filed a complaint against New York Attorney General Letitia James on Monday, alleging she violated the state’s rules of professional conduct by conducting a “biased investigation and prosecution of former president Donald Trump.”
In her complaint to the New York Committee on Professional Standards, Stefanik argued that the investigation and trial of Trump are “matters of enormous public interest and concern.” She also argued that James has rights under the First Amendment to speak freely on matters of public interest and concern, but as a licensed attorney she is “subject to special rules and responsibilities under New York’s Rules of Professional Conduct.”
Further, Stefanik claims that James’s “hostility” toward Trump makes her “unable to impartially handle cases against Trump” and spotlights several ethical concerns regarding her conduct.”These comments also may affect public perception of the judgment and appellate decisions reviewing that judgment, such as by making the public more receptive to an unlawful judgment against President Trump, his family, and his business,” Stefanik claimed.
In 2022, James filed a civil lawsuit against Trump, alleging engagement in financial fraud to obtain tax and insurance benefits by altering his net worth on financial statements. The trial ended recently, with a verdict expected this month.
“In just the first five weeks of the trial that began in October 2023, Ms. James made over 50 highly inappropriate and prejudicial comments on social media,” the letter alleged.
Stefanik has asked the Attorney Grievance Committee to suspend James while they investigate the matter for possible personal vendetta against Trump in violation of Rule 8.4(h). If it is determined that James has violated the rule, Stefanik urged the committee to disbar or suspend her.
“Her conduct not only constitutes a breach of her professional responsibilities but also risks irreparable harm to the public’s already eroding trust in our legal system,” Stefanik wrote in a social media post.
