In a swift show of solidarity, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) fired off an urgent email to her supporters Thursday, imploring them to “rush” donations to New York Attorney General Letitia James just hours after the state’s top prosecutor was slapped with a federal indictment on mortgage fraud charges.
The move underscores the deepening rift between James and President Donald Trump, whose long-simmering feud has escalated into what Democrats are decrying as a blatant weaponization of the Justice Department.
Ocasio-Cortez, a vocal James ally and fierce Trump critic, framed the charges as a “dangerous escalation” and a direct retaliation for James’ aggressive pursuit of accountability against the president.
“Letitia isn’t backing down, and we need to support her in this critical moment,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote in the email, which highlighted a fundraising goal of 20,000 contributions by midnight.
“Her campaign set a goal to receive 20,000 contributions before midnight to fight back. If you can, will you rush a donation to Letitia James right now? Your donation will send a powerful message that you’re standing in solidarity with Letitia as Trump manipulates the Department of Justice.”
The fundraising appeal linked to an ActBlue page, though details on the exact destination of funds—whether James’ re-election campaign or a dedicated legal defense—remained murky at press time.
In a separate Instagram story, Ocasio-Cortez branded the link as the “Letitia James Legal Fund,” amplifying the call to action across her massive social media following.
James Faces Federal Charges in Virginia Court
James, 66, faces serious federal allegations in a Virginia court: bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution related to mortgage applications.
She is scheduled for her initial appearance on October 24. In a statement, James vehemently denied the charges, insisting they are politically motivated.
“This is nothing more than a desperate attempt by Trump to silence those who dare to hold him accountable,” she said, a line echoed by Democratic leaders including Ocasio-Cortez.
The indictment caps years of animosity between the two.
James’ office spearheaded a landmark civil fraud case against the Trump Organization, accusing it of systematically inflating asset values to secure favorable loans and insurance.
That suit resulted in a staggering $454 million penalty in 2024, though an appeals court overturned the bulk of the fine in August, handing Trump a rare courtroom victory.
Legal and Political Challenges Loom for James’ Re-Election
Legal observers note that while New York law doesn’t explicitly prohibit politicians from funneling campaign dollars into personal legal defenses, the optics could complicate James’ bid for re-election next year.
A spokesperson for the attorney general confirmed she plans to tap into a legal defense fund established last month by the Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA), a national nonprofit that supports Democratic prosecutors.
“We stand with her,” Ocasio-Cortez declared on social media, adding a personal touch: “New Yorkers love this woman, I love this woman.” Her campaign did not immediately respond to requests for clarification on the fundraising mechanics.
The rapid response from Ocasio-Cortez highlights the high stakes in New York’s progressive circles, where James has cultivated a reputation as a bulldog against corporate malfeasance and Trump-era excesses.
With midterm elections looming and Trump’s influence over federal agencies under fresh scrutiny, the case could ripple far beyond one indictment.
Critics Call It Partisan Theater, Supporters See a Martyr
Critics, including Trump allies, have dismissed the defense fund push as partisan theater.
“Letitia James has spent years harassing the president—now she’s crying foul when the tables turn,” said a Republican strategist speaking anonymously.
But for Democrats, it’s a rallying cry: a test of resilience against what they see as authoritarian overreach.
As contributions pour in—DAGA reported a surge in small-dollar donations post-indictment—the battle lines are drawn.
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