New York Attorney General Letitia James is once again celebrating a legal victory tied to President Donald Trump’s administration, using a recent court ruling to launch fresh political attacks — even as controversy surrounding her own office continues to linger.
The latest development comes just days after multiple legal setbacks failed to materialize against James personally. In recent weeks, two separate grand juries declined to bring charges against the New York attorney general, following the collapse of earlier retaliatory legal actions involving both James and former FBI Director James Comey. Now, James is pointing to a federal court decision as proof she is prevailing in her ongoing clashes with the Trump administration.
On Friday, James took to social media to praise a ruling that blocks the federal government from canceling billions of dollars in disaster-related funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
James said her office prevailed in its legal challenge against FEMA, accusing the agency of improperly blocking billions of dollars intended for disaster preparedness, and vowed to continue pushing for federal resources to protect New York residents.
The court decision, issued by a federal judge in Massachusetts, orders the Trump administration to restore funding connected to the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. The lawsuit was brought by 22 states and the District of Columbia after the administration moved earlier this year to end the program.
In April, federal officials announced plans to shut down BRIC, describing it as inefficient, costly, and poorly managed. The administration argued that the program failed to deliver meaningful results while consuming billions in taxpayer dollars. Under the plan, approximately $3.6 billion in previously approved grants were frozen, along with an additional $882 million slated for future distribution.
The decision halted infrastructure projects nationwide, impacting communities governed by both Republicans and Democrats. Proposed projects included flood prevention systems, electrical grid improvements, and assistance for residents living in areas prone to natural disasters.
Beyond the FEMA funding dispute, James also used the moment to attack Republicans in Congress. She criticized the GOP-led Senate for voting against extending Affordable Care Act tax credits, claiming the move would lead to higher health insurance premiums.
According to James, allowing those credits to expire could make healthcare unaffordable for millions of Americans — a claim Republicans have disputed, arguing the credits add to federal spending and worsen long-term fiscal instability.
“This decision will leave millions of Americans with unaffordable healthcare,” James wrote, calling the vote “despicable.”
The Trump administration, however, has consistently defended its approach, saying its actions are aimed at cutting waste, restoring accountability, and protecting taxpayers from bloated federal programs. Officials have argued that states should shoulder more responsibility for infrastructure planning instead of relying on Washington.
As legal battles between Democratic state officials and the Trump administration continue, the FEMA ruling highlights the deep divide over federal spending, disaster preparedness, and the role of government — issues likely to remain front and center heading into the next election cycle.
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