Letitia James Moves to Quash DOJ Subpoenas, Challenges Albany U.S. Attorney’s Appointment

Overview

• Judge Lorna Schofield made most filings public late Friday over Justice Department objections but has not ruled on the motion to quash.
• Two August subpoenas signed by acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone seek records from the New York attorney general’s civil cases involving the Trump Organization and the NRA.
• James argues the subpoenas are retaliatory, violate her office’s First Amendment interests, intrude on state sovereignty, and are unenforceable because Sarcone was improperly appointed.
• Her filing references media reports that the subpoenas relate to a grand jury probe of alleged deprivation of President Trump’s civil rights, a connection not confirmed by the court.
• James also highlights wider disputes over interim U.S. attorney appointments, including Sarcone’s selection by Attorney General Pam Bondi, as she separately fights a Virginia mortgage-fraud indictment and contests prosecutor Lindsey Halligan’s authority.