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Justice Department Sued For Hidden Documents On Pennsylvania Trump Shooter

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Americans may know more about the man who attempted to assassinate President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, after a legal watchdog filed a federal lawsuit for documents being concealed by the Justice Department.

The non-profit public interest law firm Judicial Watch announced in a statement it “filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice for all records regarding Thomas Matthew Crooks, who attempted to assassinate President Trump on July 13, 2024.”

“No more delays and excuses, the FBI should release what it has on the man who tried to kill President Trump a full year ago in Butler. Attorney General Pam Bondi should direct a full and immediate records response to this Judicial Watch FOIA lawsuit,” said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton.

Judicial Watch notes it sued after the FBI “failed to respond to a July 24, 2024, FOIA request for:”

All records, including but not limited to, investigative reports, interview summaries (Forms 1023), letterhead memoranda, photos, audio/visual recordings, database inquiries, interagency communications, and any other records, whether contained in the Central Records System or cross-referenced files, related to Thomas Matthew Crooks, born September 20, 2003 in Butler Township, PA and died on July 13, 2024, who attempted the assassination of former President Donald Trump on July 13, 2024.

All records of communication in any form, including but not limited to emails, text messages, encrypted app communications and voice recordings, between FBI officials and/or FBI sources, contractors, and assets on the one hand, and Thomas Matthew Crooks on the other hand.

“On July 13, 2024, then-Republican presidential candidate Trump survived an assassination attempt while speaking at an open-air campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump was shot and wounded in his upper right ear by 20-year-old Crooks, who fired eight rounds from his perch on top of a nearby building,” Judicial Watch explained, adding, “Crooks also killed one audience member, firefighter Corey Comperatore, and critically injured two others. Crooks was shot and killed by the counter sniper team of the United States Secret Service.”

Judicial Watch has been pursuing the information for nearly a year, noting:

In March 2025, Judicial Watch sued the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for records related to security provided for the July 13, 2024, rally in Butler, PA, during which there was an assassination attempt on President Trump (Judicial Watch Inc. v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security (No. 1:25-cv-00704)).

In September 2004, Judicial Watch sued the Department of Homeland Security for Secret Service and other records regarding potential increased protective services to former President Trump’s security detail prior to the attempt on his life at his July 13 campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania (Judicial Watch v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security (No. 1:24-cv-02495)).

 In August 2024, Judicial Watch obtained records from the district attorney’s office in Butler County, PA, detailing the extensive preparation of local police for the rally at which former President Trump was shot. The preparation included sniper teams, counter assault teams and a quick response force. On August 9, in response to a separate open records request, Judicial Watch obtained bodycam footage of the July 13 assassination events from the Butler Township Police Department.

DOJ Moves To Toss Charges Against Former Republican Lawmaker

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Gavel via Wikimedia Commons Image

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday moved to toss out charges against former Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.), who resigned from Congress in 2022.

The request to dismiss the case with prejudice, meaning the same charges can’t be brought again, comes as President Trump’s Justice Department has moved to end criminal prosecutions of his political allies, including those who participated in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack and Trump’s co-defendants in his federal classified documents case.

On his Truth Social platform, Trump celebrated the end of the DOJ’s “witch hunt” against Fortenberry and claimed he was the victim of a weaponized justice system.

“The charges were totally baseless,” Trump said. “That Scam is now over, so Jeff and his family can go back to having a great life together, and be a part of our Country’s future as we MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. I am very proud of our Department of Justice, something I have not been able to say for many years!”

A jury in Los Angeles previously convicted him in 2022 following a federal investigation, but a federal appeals court overturned the case in late 2023. (RELATED: Appeals Court Overturns Ex-Congressman’s Conviction For Lying To FBI)

The charges centered on statements Fortenberry gave to authorities as they investigated the $30,200 donation to the former congressman’s campaign at a 2016 fundraising event in California from Gilbert Chagoury, a Nigerian businessperson.

Federal election law prohibits foreign nationals from making contributions in support of any candidate for a federal elected office in the U.S.

That conviction was overturned by a federal appeals court in 2023, after it determined Fortenberry should have faced trial in Nebraska or Washington, D.C., instead.

Federal prosecutors brought the case again in Washington in May, and Fortenberry was awaiting a new trial when Trump won the presidential race.

Nancy Mace Attacked Amid Fight To Protect Women’s Rights

Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) revealed that she was physically attacked Tuesday evening on Capitol grounds, an alarming incident that underscores the contentious debate surrounding her efforts to protect women’s spaces.

“I was physically accosted tonight on Capitol grounds over my fight to protect women,” Mace announced on X. “Capitol police have arrested him.” The U.S. Capitol Police confirmed the arrest of 33-year-old James McIntyre of Illinois, who now faces charges of assaulting a government official.

The assault occurred just before 6 p.m. inside the Rayburn House Office Building, a federal government office on Capitol Hill. Capitol Police and Threat Assessment Section agents quickly apprehended McIntyre, who had entered the building after passing through routine security checks.

While the police statement did not explicitly name Mace, her public account of the attack has reignited focus on her uncompromising legislative push. Mace has introduced a bill aimed at barring transgender women from using women’s restrooms and locker rooms on Capitol Hill, arguing it’s a necessary safeguard for biological women’s safety and privacy.

“All the violence and threats keep proving our point,” Mace declared. “Women deserve to be safe. Your threats will not stop my fight for women!”

Battling Backlash and Violence

Mace’s advocacy has drawn fierce opposition from LGBTQ+ groups, who argue her legislation is discriminatory. Despite this, Mace remains steadfast, framing the debate as one about safeguarding women’s rights.

Her resolve is deeply personal. “Look, I am a rape survivor, a survivor of sexual violence and abuse,” Mace shared in a recent interview with NewsNation. “I know how vulnerable women and girls are in private spaces. At the end of the day, the question is: do women have rights or not?”

Mace also highlighted concerns about the Capitol’s shared spaces, noting her discomfort with the potential presence of biological men in women’s locker rooms and restrooms. “If I’m in the women’s gym in D.C., changing clothes, and a man shows up with his genitalia in the room, that’s not okay. This is about protecting privacy and safety.”

Speaker’s Support Amid Controversy

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) recently affirmed Mace’s position, announcing that biological men would no longer be permitted in women’s bathrooms and locker rooms on Capitol grounds. “Women deserve women’s-only spaces,” Johnson stated, providing legislative backing to Mace’s campaign.

The congresswoman, previously known for her socially moderate views, has drawn a definitive “red line” in this debate. “At some point, we have to draw a line with this insanity,” she stated firmly. “This is about protecting the rights and safety of women everywhere.”

As the dust settles on this latest chapter in Mace’s fight, one thing remains clear: the debate over women’s spaces and privacy is far from over.

READ NEXT: Matt Gaetz Reveals Major Career Move – January Will Be Huge

Susie Wiles’ Lawyer Denies Approving FBI Recording

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White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles delivers remarks during the Memorial Service for Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Sunday, September 21, 2025.(Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok)

An attorney representing White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles in 2023 is disputing claims that he agreed to allow the FBI to record a phone call with his client without her knowledge, according to a report from Axios.

“If I ever pulled a stunt like that I wouldn’t – and shouldn’t – have a license to practice law,” the unidentified attorney told Axios. “I’m as shocked as Susie.”

The denial comes amid renewed scrutiny over the FBI’s investigative tactics during Special Counsel Jack Smith’s probes into President Donald Trump ahead of the 2024 election.

Wiles, who managed Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and now serves as White House chief of staff, was reportedly stunned to learn that the FBI subpoenaed her phone records in 2022 and 2023 as part of those investigations. According to Axios, she told associates, “I am in shock.”

Reuters first reported the subpoenas, which were issued during Smith’s investigations into Trump’s efforts to challenge the 2020 election results and his handling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago.

According to Fox News, the records obtained through subpoena included toll data — such as phone numbers and the dates and times of calls — but did not include the content of conversations.

The controversy escalated after two FBI officials reportedly claimed that agents recorded a 2023 phone call between Wiles and her attorney. The officials alleged that the attorney was aware the call was being recorded and gave consent, though Wiles herself was not informed.

However, the attorney has “categorically” denied consenting to any recording, Axios reporter Marc Caputo wrote on X. Wiles reportedly believes her lawyer and suspects that Biden-era FBI officials may have misrepresented what occurred.

Separately, Fox News Digital reported that at least 10 FBI employees were fired Wednesday in connection with the matter.

The developments have drawn strong reactions from Trump allies and conservative commentators.

Trump 2024 co-campaign manager Chris LaCivita wrote on X that he knows the attorney and believes him, calling the situation “a violation of basic constitutional rights every American has” and urging accountability.

OutKick founder Clay Travis also weighed in, writing, “So the lawyer Biden’s FBI eavesdropped on during a call with Susie Wiles said he had no idea it happened. This is a huge story. Biden’s FBI spied on Trump’s campaign manager in the 2024 campaign.”

In a separate statement obtained by Fox News Digital, Patel — whose phone records were also reportedly subpoenaed — criticized prior FBI leadership.

“It is outrageous and deeply alarming that the previous FBI leadership secretly subpoenaed my own phone records — along with those of now White House chief of staff Susie Wiles — using flimsy pretexts and burying the entire process in prohibited case files designed to evade all oversight,” Patel said.

Ex-Federal Prosecutor Indicted For Stealing Copies Of Unreleased Jack Smith Report

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A former federal prosecutor has been indicted after allegedly taking copies of a still-unreleased volume of former special counsel Jack Smith’s report on his investigation into President Donald Trump — and allegedly disguising the files with names like “Chocolate_Cake_Recipe.pdf.”

The case is raising fresh questions surrounding the highly controversial legal effort against Trump and how officials involved in the process handled sensitive government materials.

Federal prosecutors charged former Justice Department official Carmen Lineberger, 62, with four counts tied to allegedly stealing and concealing government records. During a court appearance Wednesday in West Palm Beach, Florida, Lineberger pleaded not guilty and was released on her own recognizance.

According to the indictment, Lineberger — formerly the managing assistant U.S. attorney in Fort Pierce, Florida — received a restricted copy of a volume of Smith’s report last year and allegedly forwarded it, along with internal Justice Department communications, to personal Hotmail and Gmail accounts.

Prosecutors claim she attempted to conceal the transfer by changing file names to appear harmless, including “Chocolate_Cake_Recipe.pdf” and “Bundt_Cake_Recipe.pdf.”

The indictment, however, does not allege why Lineberger moved the files to personal accounts, nor does it accuse her of leaking the materials publicly. Court records also do not specify what other internal DOJ records may have been transferred alongside the Smith report.

If convicted on all charges — including obstruction of justice, concealing government records, and two misdemeanor theft counts — Lineberger faces a maximum sentence of up to 25 years in prison, though actual sentences in federal cases are often significantly shorter under sentencing guidelines.

The report at the center of the controversy remains largely hidden from public view.

The volume reportedly focuses on Smith’s investigation into classified documents found at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence after he left office. That investigation became one of Smith’s two major prosecutions against Trump during the 2024 election cycle.

Smith, appointed as special counsel in late 2022, led the federal government’s aggressive legal campaign against Trump. Beyond the Mar-a-Lago documents case, he also spearheaded the federal election interference prosecution tied to Trump’s challenges to the 2020 election results.

Trump repeatedly blasted Smith as politically motivated and accused the Biden-era Justice Department of weaponizing federal law enforcement against him. His supporters argued that prosecutors were applying legal standards differently to Trump than to political allies and opponents.

The classified documents case eventually suffered major setbacks after Judge Aileen Cannon ruled that Smith’s appointment as special counsel violated constitutional requirements, throwing the future of the prosecution into uncertainty. Cannon also barred public release of the report volume involved in the current Lineberger case.

Now, the strange allegations involving hidden “cake recipe” file names are creating another unexpected chapter in the long-running legal and political saga surrounding Smith’s investigations of Trump.

Trump Accuses Adam Schiff Of Mortgage Fraud

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Photo via Gage Skidmoer Flickr

On Tuesday morning, President Donald Trump accused former impeachment leader Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif) of committing mortgage fraud.

“I have always suspected Shifty Adam Shiff (sic) was a scam artist,” Trump wrote. He then claimed that Fannie Mae’s Financial Crimes Division had determined that Schiff had improperly declared a Maryland home as his primary residence to secure better mortgage terms, despite representing California in Congress.

“Adam Schiff said that his primary residence was in MARYLAND to get a cheaper mortgage and rip off America, when he must LIVE in CALIFORNIA,” Trump alleged, before outlining what he described as a fraudulent timeline beginning in 2009 and ending in 2020.

According to Trump’s post, the alleged “fraud” began on February 6, 2009, with the refinancing of a property in Maryland, and continued “through multiple transactions” until October 13, 2020, when the property was finally “correctly designated as a second home.” He concluded the post with a familiar refrain: “Crooked Adam Schiff (now a Senator) needs to be brought to justice.”

As of Tuesday morning, no independent confirmation of such an investigation has been reported.

Schiff’s ownership of the Maryland property was reported on during his Senate campaign by CNN, which at the time reported that the then-House member wasn’t likely to face any legal repercussions because the law at issue is ambiguous when it comes to the definition of a primary residence.

However, Schiff’s spokesperson during the campaign and his current press secretary, told CNN last year that he has claimed both his properties as primary residences for mortgage purposes “because they are both occupied throughout the year and to distinguish them from a vacation property.”

The animosity between Trump and Schiff has been swirling for year and dates back to at least 2017, when the California lawmaker emerged as one of Trump’s most vocal critics during the House Intelligence Committee’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Schiff later served as the lead impeachment manager during Trump’s first impeachment trial in 2020, drawing attacks from the former president, who routinely referred to him as “Pencil Neck” and “Shifty Schiff.”

Jailed Crypto King Sam Bankman-Fried Begs Trump For Pardon

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By The White House - https://www.flickr.com/photos/202101414@N05/54581054338/, Public Domain,

Disgraced crypto mogul Sam Bankman-Fried has officially thrown himself on President Trump’s mercy, filing a formal application for a presidential pardon while serving a 25-year prison sentence for one of the largest financial frauds in modern American history.

According to records maintained by the Justice Department’s Office of the Pardon Attorney, the fallen FTX founder recently submitted a request for a “pardon after completion of sentence,” with the application now listed as pending review.

The move marks the latest twist in the spectacular downfall of the former cryptocurrency billionaire, who went from being Washington’s favorite crypto wunderkind to a convicted fraudster accused of stealing billions from customers.

A federal jury found Bankman-Fried guilty on multiple fraud and conspiracy charges after prosecutors proved he illegally diverted customer funds from FTX to prop up his hedge fund Alameda Research, finance lavish spending, make venture investments, and shower politicians with campaign donations. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison in March 2024.

From Democrat Megadonor to Trump Pardon Seeker

Bankman-Fried’s pardon request carries an extra layer of political irony.

Before FTX imploded, he was one of the Democrat Party’s biggest donors, pouring millions into Democratic candidates and causes during the 2020 and 2022 election cycles.

But since landing behind bars, the former crypto executive has increasingly sought to align himself with Trump and the MAGA movement, publicly criticizing the Biden Justice Department and portraying himself as a victim of political persecution. Reports indicate Bankman-Fried and his family have spent months exploring avenues to secure presidential clemency.

The effort appears to be facing long odds.

In January, Trump told The New York Times he had no plans to pardon Bankman-Fried, a position that has since been reiterated by White House officials.

Trump’s Expanding Crypto Pardon Record

Still, Bankman-Fried may be encouraged by Trump’s increasingly aggressive use of presidential clemency during his second term.

Trump has already issued a series of controversial pardons involving high-profile figures from the cryptocurrency world. Most notably, he pardoned Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, who pleaded guilty in 2023 to anti-money laundering violations and served a four-month prison sentence.

Trump has also extended clemency to BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes and other crypto-linked figures, fueling speculation that additional industry players could seek similar treatment.

Critics argue the pattern reinforces the perception that wealthy and well-connected defendants have greater access to presidential mercy than ordinary Americans. Recent reporting has highlighted a growing ecosystem of lobbyists, attorneys, and political operatives attempting to secure pardons through connections to Trump’s orbit.

Progressives Blast Pardon Push

Bankman-Fried’s latest maneuver quickly drew condemnation from financial reform advocates.

Americans for Financial Reform, a progressive nonprofit watchdog, blasted the request as “one more striking indication of the level of impunity that crypto industry figures expect from the President.”

“This particular wish may or may not be granted, but the request — despite Bankman-Fried’s conviction on multiple counts of fraud — should come as little surprise,” the group said Monday.

Appeal Still Pending

The pardon application comes as Bankman-Fried continues to fight his conviction in court.

His appeal remains pending before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and he has also sought a new trial, arguing prosecutors falsely portrayed FTX’s finances and that additional witnesses could challenge the government’s case.

For now, however, the once-celebrated crypto king remains locked behind bars — waiting to see whether the president who says he won’t pardon him ultimately changes his mind.

Attempted Assassination Of Trump Trial Delayed

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The trial for the man accused of plotting to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course has been delayed.

Federal Judge Aileen Cannon ruled Monday that the trial for 58-year-old Ryan Routh would begin on September 8, 2025, instead of the originally scheduled February 10. Routh is facing multiple charges including the attempted assassination of a presidential candidate. 

Cannon said that Routh’s defense team “had not meaningfully responded” to prosecutors’ requests for evidence, the Washington Examiner reported. Cannon also noted that Routh’s lawyers maintained that “mental health evaluations are ongoing” but hadn’t yet decided if they would be pursuing an insanity defense. 

Routh’s team has until February 3 to officially announce “an insanity defense” or “note of expert evidence of a mental condition.” 

Routh is accused of hiding in the bushes with a rifle near Trump’s golf course on September 15 allegedly with the intent of killing the then-presidential candidate. Law enforcement said Routh fled after being confronted by a Secret Service agent who shot at him after he saw a rifle barrel poking out of the bushes. 

He also faces charges of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, assaulting a federal officer, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

In a separate case, Florida has charged Routh with attempted murder over a car crash that occurred as he was apprehended by law enforcement. 

Report: Trump Says He Will ‘Look At’ Pardon For Gretchen Whitmer Kidnapping Conspiracy

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Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivers remarks during a press briefing at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., on April 29, 2025.​ The visit marked President Trump’s 100th day in office, during which he announced the basing of F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets at Selfridge—underscoring the installation’s growing strategic role. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by 2nd Lt. Paige Bodine)

Speaking to reporters Wednesday from the Oval Office, President Donald J. Trump said he is open to reviewing the cases of those convicted in connection with the 2020 plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, calling the prosecutions potentially unjust and saying “a lot of people think they got railroaded.”

“I’m going to look at it. I will take a look at it. It’s been brought to my attention,” Trump said in response to questions about possible pardons for the men convicted in the case.

“I did watch the trial. It looked to me like somewhat of a railroad job, I’ll be honest with you. It looked to me like some people said some stupid things—you know, they were drinking—and I think they said stupid things.”

The comments come as President Trump continues to highlight what he calls the Biden administration’s weaponization of federal law enforcement and the justice system—a message that resonates with many conservatives concerned about double standards in legal prosecutions.

“A lot of people think they got railroaded,” Trump repeated. “And probably some people don’t. But I’ll take a look at it.”

The case involved Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr., who were convicted in 2022 for what federal prosecutors described as a plot to kidnap Gov. Whitmer from her Michigan vacation home during the COVID lockdowns. The prosecution’s narrative focused on the pair’s frustration over pandemic mandates, which they said amounted to government overreach.

Fox was sentenced to 16 years in prison, and Croft to 19 years, on multiple conspiracy charges, including a scheme to use a weapon of mass destruction. Prosecutors claimed they were part of a larger militia movement called the “Wolverine Watchmen.”

However, even mainstream legal analysts and civil liberties watchdogs raised concerns at the time about the FBI’s heavy involvement in the case, including the use of over a dozen informants and undercover agents who appeared to guide, encourage, and escalate the planning efforts.

Some defense attorneys went so far as to claim that the plot was manufactured by federal operatives, with one legal team calling it a “federal setup from day one.” In fact, three other men tried later in connection with the plot were acquitted on all charges in 2023, further fueling criticism that the entire case may have been an exercise in political theater during a heated election cycle.

President Trump’s interest in revisiting the case follows his recent high-profile pardon of former Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins, a well-known Virginia conservative convicted in a controversial cash-for-badges case. Trump described Jenkins as a victim of a “corrupt and weaponized Biden DOJ,” echoing his belief that the justice system has been used selectively to punish his political allies.

House GOP Pressures Attorney General To Prosecute Officials Helping Subvert Deportations

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Multiple House Republicans are demanding the Justice Department prosecute elected officials and left-wing activist groups allegedly attempting to undermine the administration’s deportation efforts.

GOP Reps. Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma, Andy Harris of Maryland, Eric Burlison of Missouri and Pete Sessions of Texas sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi Tuesday, exclusively obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation. 

“We write today to applaud your prosecution of Governor Kathy Hochul and New York Attorney General Letitia James and to respectfully request that you continue prosecuting individuals, organizations and elected officials who aid and abet illegal aliens in evading Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers,” the Republican lawmakers wrote. “Assisting aliens in avoiding deportation is illegal; therefore, we urge you to continue upholding the integrity of the American system.”

“Far-left politicians and nongovernmental organizations [NGOs] are flouting the law under the assumption that it will not be enforced. We ask that you demonstrate that such violations will not be tolerated.”

Read:

The letter alleges that left-wing organizations such as Code Pink, Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network and the Immigration Defense Project are actively providing resources to illegal migrants to evade detection by ICE.

The GOP congressmen also urged Bondi to prosecute elected officials helping illegal migrants evade detection by ICE.

Democrat New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy appeared to suggest that he was harboring an illegal migrant on his property on Feb. 3, leading border czar Tom Homan vowing to prosecute the elected official for appearing to violate federal law.

“And good luck to the feds coming in to try to get her,” the Democrat then added, speaking at an open discussion at Montclair State University.

Murphy walked back the shocking claim days later.

Homan warned New York Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez that he is working with the DOJ to determine whether the left-wing firebrand violated federal law by hosting a virtual webinar advising illegal migrants on how to handle encounters with ICE on Jan. 11.

“Let’s hope she’s not educating the next person who gets out and murders a young college student in Georgia,” Homan said on Fox News on Feb. 16. “These are bad people we’re looking for. So she can call it education all she wants, but we all know it’s about evading law enforcement. These people have been ordered removed. The people we’re looking for now have final orders. They’re criminals. They’re in the country illegally.”

Bondi filed a lawsuit against Hochul and James on Feb. 12, citing a New York state law allowing immigrants to obtain a driver’s license regardless of legal status. The Trump administration hit Chicago and the state of Illinois with lawsuits on Feb. 6 over the city and state’s sanctuary laws, which restrict cooperation between local officials and ICE.

“This is a new DOJ,” Bondi said during a press conference announcing the Justice Department’s lawsuit against the state of New York. “We are taking steps to protect Americans, American citizens and angel moms.”

“New York has chosen to prioritize illegal aliens over American citizens. It stops today,” Bondi added. “We sued Illinois. New York did not listen. Now you’re next.”