In a pattern drawing national scrutiny, former President Donald J. Trump has repeatedly targeted prominent Black women in positions of legal and economic authority—most recently New York Attorney General Letitia James, Georgia prosecutor Fani T. Willis, and Federal Reserve Board member Lisa Cook. These women, all instrumental in high-profile actions affecting Trump’s legal or financial standing, have faced investigations, public attacks, and political pressure seemingly coordinated from Trump’s orbit.
Letitia James: The Legal Force Behind Trump Civil Fraud Case
Letitia James, New York’s first Black attorney general, led a landmark civil fraud lawsuit against Trump and his company, resulting in a $454 million judgment earlier this year. Since then, she has become a frequent target of Trump’s social media rants and Republican-led legislative probes. Most recently, a Republican state senator launched an investigation into her office’s use of resources in the Trump case—a move critics call politically motivated retaliation.
Fani T. Willis and the Georgia Election Case
Fani T. Willis, the Fulton County District Attorney, spearheaded the Georgia election interference case that charged Trump and 18 others for attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. Her aggressive prosecution made her a lightning rod for conservative backlash. Earlier this year, a Republican judge briefly considered removing her from the case over an alleged romantic relationship with a prosecutor—though no ethical violation was found. Meanwhile, Georgia GOP lawmakers have pushed for audits and disciplinary reviews of her office.
Lisa Cook: Breaking Barriers at the Fed—and Facing Pushback
Lisa Cook, the first Black woman to serve on the Federal Reserve Board, has also drawn Trump’s ire—not for legal action, but for her role in shaping monetary policy during a period of inflation that Trump blames for hurting his 2024 campaign. Though Cook was confirmed with bipartisan support in 2022, Trump has since called her “disastrous” and “out of touch,” echoing broader conservative criticism of the Fed’s interest rate decisions.
A Disturbing Pattern or Political Strategy?
Observers note a troubling trend: each of these women holds significant institutional power and has taken actions—legal, financial, or regulatory—that directly challenge Trump’s interests. Their race and gender have made them especially vulnerable to racially charged rhetoric and gendered attacks.
“When you combine race, gender, and power in America, you get a target on your back—especially if you’re holding someone like Trump accountable,” said Dr. Keisha Blain, a historian at the University of Pittsburgh.
Timeline of Key Events
| Figure | Role | Action Against Trump | Retaliation/Investigation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Letitia James | NY Attorney General | Won $454M civil fraud case | State GOP probe into office spending |
| Fani T. Willis | Fulton County DA | Charged Trump in election interference | Judicial review, ethics complaints, GOP audits |
| Lisa Cook | Federal Reserve Board | Voted for interest rate hikes | Public attacks from Trump, conservative media |
Broader Implications for Democracy
Civil rights advocates warn that targeting officials who uphold the rule of law—especially women of color—sets a dangerous precedent. “This isn’t just about politics; it’s about whether public servants can do their jobs without fear of retribution,” said Vanita Gupta, former U.S. Associate Attorney General.
Legal scholars add that while political pushback is normal, the intensity and personal nature of the attacks on these women cross into intimidation. “There’s a difference between scrutiny and harassment,” said Barbara Arnwine, president of the Transformative Justice Coalition.
What Comes Next?
As the 2024 election heats up, all three women remain in their roles—but under increasing pressure. Letitia James has hinted at a possible run for governor. Fani Willis’s Georgia case is moving toward trial. And Lisa Cook will continue influencing interest rates through at least 2028.
One thing is clear: their resilience is being tested not just by policy debates, but by a coordinated campaign of delegitimization that many see as racially and politically charged.
