US Justice Department opens probe into New York attorney general office

WASHINGTON

The US Justice Department has opened an investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James' office focused on cases it brought, including civil fraud litigation against President Donald Trump, according to multiple reports published Friday.

The civil fraud case against Trump and his company, which resulted in a half-billion-dollar penalty, was centered on claims that he under-valued his properties when reporting to state authorities. The case is being appealed, but the penalty has continued to grow with interest as proceedings continue.

The other case in question is action it has taken against the National Rifle Association, a pro-run rights advocacy group widely regarded as one of the most influential lobbies in the US, according to the reports, which cited anonymous officials.

The cases are being investigated on allegations that the defendants were being deprived of their rights by James' office.

“We stand strongly behind our successful litigation against the Trump Organization and the National Rifle Association, and we will continue to stand up for New Yorkers’ rights," Geoff Burgan, a James spokesperson, told the New York Times newspaper.

The investigation is at least the second made by the Justice Department into James after Trump assumed office.

Earlier this year, the department and the FBI opened a probe into James, a longtime vocal critic of the president, on allegations that she lied on bank loan documents to obtain better rates.