Story perspectives

DOJ Accused of Targeting Trump Through Internal Investigations

9/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Attorney General Letitia James’ office was accused of directing staff to investigate President Donald Trump.
Assistant Attorney General Daniel Wiesenfeld emailed staff to “find and pursue crimes” against Trump and the HP merger.
General counsel Kumiki Gibson said the erased email issue was internal and safe.
Investor Protection Bureau head Shamiso Maswoswe settled a 2023 DOJ discrimination suit for $795,000 without admitting wrongdoing.

History

Historical Context

The 1973 Watergate scandal, sparked by the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters, led to President Richard Nixon’s resignation. The Senate Watergate Committee, chaired by Sam Ervin, subpoenaed 35,000 pages of documents and secured testimony from 400 witnesses, exposing abuse of power. Today's accusations that New York Attorney General Letitia James directed staff to investigate former President Donald Trump echo Watergate’s pattern of politicized law-enforcement targeting high-profile leaders. The precedent established by the scandal’s reforms, including the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, suggests intensified oversight may curb future partisan prosecutions.

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Story summary

U.S. Attorney General Letitia James’ office was accused of directing staff to investigate President Donald Trump.
Assistant Attorney General Daniel Wiesenfeld emailed staff to “find and pursue crimes” against Trump and the HP merger.
General counsel Kumiki Gibson said the erased email issue was internal and safe.
Investor Protection Bureau head Shamiso Maswoswe settled a 2023 DOJ discrimination suit for $795,000 without admitting wrongdoing.

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