US Attorney Overseeing Letitia James Probe Resigns Days After Trump Call

A significant development in the intricate legal landscape surrounding former President Donald Trump and New York Attorney General Letitia James has unfolded: Andrew Goldstein, the US Attorney overseeing a controversial investigation into James, has resigned from his position. This departure, confirmed by sources close to the matter, came just three days after Goldstein received a direct phone call from Trump himself, where the former president reportedly questioned the legitimacy of the ongoing probe.

Goldstein's investigation centered on whether AG James’s high-profile civil fraud lawsuit against Trump and his family business was politically motivated or constituted prosecutorial misconduct.

The probe, initiated by Goldstein’s predecessor, former Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr., was launched at the explicit request of Trump’s legal team, who sought to challenge the basis of James’s vigorous pursuit of the former president’s financial dealings.

According to reports, the call from Donald Trump to Andrew Goldstein occurred as the investigation into James was already winding down.

Trump, known for his direct approach, is said to have used the conversation to express his skepticism regarding the probe's validity, suggesting it was part of a broader political agenda against him. This intervention from the former president adds another layer of complexity to an already politically charged situation, raising eyebrows among legal observers regarding the appropriate boundaries between political figures and ongoing federal investigations.

Attorney General James's office had vehemently denied any wrongdoing, previously dismissing the investigation as a "politically motivated sham" designed to distract from the substantive allegations of fraud against Trump’s organization.

Indeed, the probe concluded without any public findings or charges, and Goldstein’s office made no determination of wrongdoing by James or her team. The closure, which occurred without much fanfare, indicated a lack of actionable evidence for the claims of misconduct.

Goldstein, a legal veteran, had a notable career trajectory, including a prominent role as a lead prosecutor in Robert Mueller's special counsel investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

His resignation, particularly given its proximity to Trump’s direct communication, underscores the intense scrutiny and political pressure often associated with investigations touching upon powerful public figures. While the investigation into James concluded without adverse findings for her, the timing of Goldstein's exit following Trump's call will undoubtedly remain a point of discussion in the ongoing narrative of legal and political battles involving the former president.