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Judge Blocks Disqualified Trump Prosecutor's Revenge Case Against NY Attorney General
Federal judge rules ex-Trump DOJ lawyer cannot pursue investigation into Letitia James' office.
Mar. 11, 2026 at 9:43pm
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A federal judge has refused to block a ruling that disqualifies a former Trump-appointed federal prosecutor from investigating New York Attorney General Letitia James. The prosecutor, John Sarcone, was heading up a U.S. attorney's office that was looking into the legitimacy of James' lawsuits against former President Donald Trump and the National Rifle Association. However, Sarcone's appointment was ruled unlawful because he was not properly seated in the role.
Why it matters
This case highlights ongoing efforts by Trump-aligned prosecutors to use the power of the federal government to target political opponents like Attorney General James, who has launched numerous investigations into Trump's finances. The judge's ruling reinforces that such politically-motivated prosecutions will not be tolerated, even from officials appointed by the former president.
The details
In the ruling, U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield concluded that the federal government failed to demonstrate a strong likelihood of success on the merits or serious legal questions that would warrant reinstating Sarcone. The judge said any harm from Sarcone's disqualification was "abstract at best," while allowing him to continue would "reinstate an official who acted without lawful authority" - a clear injury to the state government. Several other Trump-backed prosecutors have also been disqualified for similar issues with their appointments.
- On March 11, 2026, the federal judge issued the ruling blocking Sarcone from continuing his investigation.
The players
John Sarcone
A former federal prosecutor who was appointed by the Trump administration to investigate New York Attorney General Letitia James, but was later disqualified from the role due to issues with his appointment.
Letitia James
The New York Attorney General who has launched numerous investigations into former President Donald Trump's finances, prompting efforts by Trump-aligned prosecutors like Sarcone to target her.
Lorna G. Schofield
The U.S. District Judge who ruled against allowing Sarcone to continue his investigation into Letitia James' office.
What they’re saying
“Another defeat for another unconstitutionally appointed Trump DOJ prosecutor: Ex-Trump campaign lawyer John Sarcone will remain disqualified as U.S. Attorney for Albany, and his subpoenas to Letitia James' office will stay quashed. He's not likely to succeed on appeal, a judge finds.”
— Adam Klasfeld, Reporter, All Rise News
What’s next
Sarcone is expected to appeal the judge's ruling, but legal experts believe he is unlikely to succeed given the clear issues with his appointment.
The takeaway
This case underscores the ongoing efforts by Trump-aligned officials to use the power of the federal government for political vendettas, and the importance of the judiciary in checking such abuses of power, even from those appointed by the former president.
