Trump Endorses Republican Challenger to Letitia James Amid Ongoing Legal Disputes

Former President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Republican Saritha Komatireddy in her campaign to become New York's next Attorney General, signaling his "complete and total endorsement" in an effort to remove his long-standing political adversary, Letitia James.

"It is my Great Honor to endorse America First Patriot, Saritha Komatireddy, who is running to be the next Attorney General of the once wonderful State of New York," Trump shared in a social media post on Friday. "Between Kathy Hochul and the Most Corrupt Attorney General in the Country, Letitia James, it has gone to HELL!"

Trump's backing of Komatireddy, whom he previously nominated for a U.S. District Court position in 2020, comes as he persistently calls for James to face prosecution over mortgage fraud accusations. This endorsement marks another escalation in his years-long conflict with the Democratic attorney general, who previously pursued legal action against him.

The Continuing Feud with Letitia James

Trump did not hesitate to express his strong disapproval of James. In 2022, James successfully sued Trump and The Trump Organization, alleging they fraudulently inflated asset values on financial statements to secure more favorable loan terms. However, an appeals court later nullified a substantial financial penalty of nearly $465 million against Trump, ruling that the significant disgorgement award violated constitutional prohibitions against excessive fines.

"Letitia 'Peekaboo' James, is considered by many to be the WORST Attorney General in our Country. She is a Complete and Total Disaster, who tried running against Kathy Hochul for Governor, and got less than 1% of the Vote in the Polls, and QUIT, taking many innocent suckers down with her," Trump wrote. "She then went back to her WITCH HUNT against your favorite President, (ME!), and others, yet Murder and other Violent Crime is RAGING OUT OF CONTROL in New York, as People and Businesses flee, in Record Numbers, to other States!"

Saritha Komatireddy's Qualifications and Platform

In contrast to his criticism of James, Trump highlighted Komatireddy's qualifications, noting her past roles as chief of staff for the Drug Enforcement Administration and a former federal prosecutor. He also mentioned her experience clerking for Brett Kavanaugh, who later became a Supreme Court justice.

"On the other hand, as your next Attorney General, Saritha Komatireddy will fight tirelessly to Ensure LAW AND ORDER, Grow our Economy, Champion our Law Enforcement and First Responders, Support our Military/Veterans, Advance Election Integrity, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Uphold our Constitution, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment," Trump stated.

Komatireddy has been an outspoken critic of James's handling of state fraud investigations. Following Trump's endorsement, she expressed her gratitude.

"I was honored to be nominated to be a federal judge by the President in 2020 and I’m honored to receive his endorsement today. I’m working hard to win the support of all New Yorkers and defeat Letitia James this November," Komatireddy posted on social media.