Tish James is Arraigned in Virginia as Black Woman Stand in Support of Her

October 24, 2025

New York Attorney General Tish James is facing arraignment in Norfolk, Virginia on a bank fraud charge, which her supporters claim is politically motivated retaliation by the Trump administration. James will request dismissal of the case, citing allegations that Trump-appointed interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan improperly communicated about the indictment. The charges appear to be retribution for James' three-year investigation into the Trump Organization that resulted in a civil fraud lawsuit against Trump and his children.

Who is affected

New York Attorney General Tish James
Black women leaders (specifically referenced alongside Congresswoman LaMonica McIver)
The Trump Organization, Donald Trump, and his children
Advocacy groups and Black women's organizations supporting James
Trump-appointed interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Lindsey Halligan

What action is being taken

Tish James is being arraigned on one count of bank fraud in Norfolk, Virginia
James is challenging the case with a request for dismissal
Advocacy groups and supporters are holding rallies in Norfolk and planning another for Sunday in New York
Organizations are conducting strategy calls to determine how best to support James
Black Women's groups are explicitly standing against what they see as intimidation of strong Black women leaders

Why it matters

The case appears to represent political retaliation against James for her investigation into Trump's business practices
The charges came after Trump allegedly leaked a text message requesting that U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi charge James
Supporters view this as part of a pattern of targeting Black women leaders who "stand firm in their purpose"
The case raises concerns about the potential weaponization of the Justice Department against political opponents
It follows James' three-year investigation that resulted in a fraud ruling against Trump (though monetary penalties were later overturned on appeal)

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article beyond the planned Sunday rally in New York.

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint