As closing arguments were about to commence at Donald Trump's highly publicized fraud trial in New York, a small group of protesters briefly halted traffic to condemn the former president, chanting, "No dictators in the USA."
However, when a black SUV pulled up to the courthouse, the protesters' tone shifted. They cheered, "Thank you, Tish! Thank you, Tish!" as Letitia James ascended the courthouse steps.
The conclusion of Trump's trial marked a significant milestone for the New York attorney general's office, with James prominently leading the case. Despite facing criticism and personal attacks from Trump, both in and out of the courtroom, James remained steadfast.
On the final day of the trial, James addressed reporters, stating, "The personal attacks don't really bother me."
In a stunning victory, the presiding judge, Arthur Engoron, largely ruled in favor of James, imposing hefty fines on Trump and barring him and his sons from conducting business in New York for years.
James declared, "Today, justice has been served... no matter how big, rich, or powerful you think you are, no one is above the law."
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This commitment to justice was central to James's campaign when she ran for attorney general in 2018. Raised in Brooklyn, James attended public schools before pursuing a law degree at Howard University. She climbed the ranks as a public defender before entering New York politics, becoming the first Black woman to serve as public advocate.
Upon assuming the role of attorney general, James pledged to hold corporations and corrupt politicians accountable, echoing her belief in the law as the great equalizer.
Beyond the Trump trial, James continues to pursue high-profile cases, including a civil lawsuit against top NRA officials for alleged non-profit law violations and litigation against the Catholic Church for mishandling child sexual abuse.
Despite accusations of opportunism from critics, James remains focused on her duty. While briefly running for governor in 2021, she ultimately withdrew from the race to continue her work as attorney general.
With her sights set on ongoing investigations and cases, James's future ambitions remain uncertain. Yet, her unwavering dedication to justice defines her tenure, regardless of political challenges or personal attacks.