The New York Times devoted its Friday feature to portraying President Donald Trump’s legal and political disputes as racially motivated attacks against “prominent Black women,” while minimizing the substance of the investigations and scandals involving those same officials. The piece, titled “Letitia James Is Among Prominent Black Women Targeted by Trump,” emphasized identity politics over facts.
The article claims Trump has a pattern of “denigrating” Black women who challenge him, citing New York Attorney General Letitia James, Fulton County DA Fani Willis, and Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. Rather than focusing on the legal proceedings or misconduct surrounding these individuals, the Times highlights their race and gender, calling them “firsts” in their respective roles.
Letitia James was indicted Thursday on federal mortgage fraud and false statement charges in Virginia. Prosecutors allege she falsified information related to a home loan. James maintains the issue was a minor paperwork error. This comes nearly three years after she filed a civil fraud suit against Trump, alleging asset inflation. While she won the case initially, an appellate court ruled the $527 million penalty was excessive. The state’s highest court will now review the matter.
Fani Willis was removed from the Georgia election interference case against Trump after her romantic relationship with lead prosecutor Nathan Wade created an “appearance of impropriety.” She is also under scrutiny for alleged misuse of public funds and improper coordination with the Biden White House.
Lisa Cook, the first Black woman appointed to the Federal Reserve Board, faces a Justice Department inquiry following mortgage fraud allegations raised by Federal Housing Finance Agency director Bill Pulte. Trump dismissed her in August, citing misconduct. The Supreme Court has temporarily allowed her to stay on the board pending further review.
Despite these ongoing controversies, the Times report largely downplayed the legal concerns and instead painted the officials as victims of political and racial targeting. Trump’s team responded by highlighting the ongoing $15 billion defamation lawsuit he filed against the newspaper, accusing it of pushing coordinated smear campaigns and abandoning journalistic standards.
