The whistleblower in Attorney General Letitia James’ office, Daniel Wiesenfeld, who alleged he was instructed to investigate President Trump, met with federal prosecutors for several hours on Tuesday, according to sources. Wiesenfeld, a former Brooklyn prosecutor and a lawyer in James’ office, discussed his claims with attorneys from the FBI and the US Department of Justice. The details of the federal interest in the case remain unclear.
Wiesenfeld, currently on paid administrative leave, claimed in a leaked email that his supervisor, Investor Protection Bureau Chief Shamiso Maswoswe, directed him to 'find and pursue crimes' related to Trump allies. The email reportedly stated, 'If you believe Trump is using the [Department of Justice] attorneys to prosecute his enemies to further his political interests, you should find it equally troubling that Tish [James] is doing exactly the same thing.' He urged colleagues not to act as personal attorneys for James by targeting her political opponents.
In response to the claims, James’ office described the situation as a 'personnel matter' and emphasized its commitment to upholding New York’s laws. The office stated, 'We strongly reject any assertion to the contrary.' Wiesenfeld has not made any public comments regarding the allegations.
The Trump administration has criticized James, with White House spokeswoman Lauren Bis stating that the situation exemplifies the 'weaponization of the justice system' against Trump and his allies. Trump and James have had a contentious relationship, with James previously vowing to prosecute Trump during her 2018 campaign. In 2022, she filed a civil fraud lawsuit against Trump and his organization, alleging inflated property values to secure loans. A state judge ruled in favor of James in 2024, imposing penalties on Trump, which were later upheld on appeal.
Maswoswe, the bureau chief involved in the current allegations, has a history of litigation against the Trump Department of Justice, having sued for discrimination and settling for $795,000 in 2023 after being fired during Trump's presidency.