In a press conference held after Donald Trump’s projected win in the 2024 presidential election, New York Attorney General Letitia James addressed her plans [1] moving forward, vowing to protect New York against any potential changes under the incoming administration.
Speaking alongside Governor Kathy Hochul, James stated that her office is prepared to counter any federal moves that could impact the state’s funding or legal standing.
“So here we are. We’ve studied their platforms. We’ve identified certain possibilities, fact patterns. We’ve created contingency plans. So no matter what the next administration throws at us, we’re ready,” James told reporters.
“We’re ready to respond to any attempts to cut or eliminate any funding to the great state of New York as the governor outlined. So despite what has happened on the national stage, we will continue to stand tall in the face of injustice, revenge, or retribution, and protect our most vulnerable and marginalized amongst us,” she added, underscoring her office’s commitment to support these groups.
James continued by calling on New Yorkers to remain “faithful and steadfast,” expressing confidence in her office’s readiness. “This is not the time to be fearful, New York, but faithful and steadfast, knowing that I, as the Attorney General, along with my entire team, we are guardians of the law. And we are prepared, my friends, to fight back,” she concluded.
NEW: A depressed Letitia James declares she is a “guardian of the law,” tells New Yorkers not to be scared about Donald Trump being president.
Lmao. I’m so ready for these next four years.
James said she has a “contingency plan” in response to Trump winning the election.
“So… pic.twitter.com/GMrSLBfnyO [2]
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 6, 2024 [3]
Attorney General James, who has long been a vocal critic of Trump, previously ran her campaign on prosecuting him, which led to a civil fraud case accusing the former president of inflating property values.
In that case, a New York judge imposed a $100 million penalty on Trump, citing alleged inflation of the value of his Mar-a-Lago estate.
Trump’s legal team has contested the ruling, emphasizing that all loans related to the property were paid in full, with interest.
Legal experts have widely questioned the legitimacy of the case, with some predicting it may be overturned on appeal.
Among the voices critical of the lawsuit is Fox News legal editor Kerri Urbahn, who commented on James’ press conference, calling it one of the “most distasteful” responses by an elected official to an election result. “And Letitia James has been this the entire time. She has done everything in her power to destroy Donald Trump, she failed. Do you know how I know? Because Donald Trump won,” the analyst said.
The Attorney General’s comments come as New York’s political leaders brace for potential shifts under the new administration, signaling that the state’s officials are preparing to respond to anticipated policy changes at the federal level.
James’ remarks highlighted a broader intent to protect state interests in the face of any challenges posed by Trump’s return to office.