In a scathing interview that has sent shockwaves through political circles, former White House adviser Kellyanne Conway leveled fierce criticism at New York Attorney GeneralLetitia James, offering what she described as the “unfortunate reason” James remains a central figure in American political discourse. More than a personal attack, Conway’s remarks have re-ignited partisan debates over political prosecution, media bias, and the weaponization of the legal system.

This investigation explores Conway’s claims, the broader implications of Letitia James’s role in high-profile legal battles — particularly against former President Donald Trump — and the strategic motives behind Conway’s timely comments.

 The Interview That Lit the Fuse

Kellyanne Conway made her remarks during a live appearance on the nationally syndicated programState of Affairs with Hugh Davis on August 19, 2025. While discussing the 2026 midterm landscape and recent developments in the Trump civil and criminal cases, the conversation pivoted to Letitia James — a Democrat whose aggressive legal pursuit of Trump has made her both a hero to the left and a lightning rod for the right.

When asked about James’s continued prominence in political headlines despite waning public trust in state institutions, Conway didn’t hold back:

Letitia James is still relevant because she has made herself indispensable to the left’s anti-Trump narrative. That’s the unfortunate truth,” Conway said.

She doesn’t prosecute crime in New York. She performs politics in courtrooms. Her job isn’t law enforcement — it’s character assassination on behalf of the Democratic machine.”

Her comments were met with applause from the conservative audience but raised serious questions about James’s motivations, the politicization of her office, and the growing perception that some legal actions may be more about influence than justice.

 Letitia James: A Profile in Polarization

Since taking office in 2019,Letitia James has cultivated a reputation as a fearless — and fiercely political — prosecutor. She made national headlines with her investigations into the Trump Organization, the NRA, and major real estate interests in Manhattan.

In 2022, James filed a civil lawsuit against Donald Trump and three of his children, accusing them of inflating asset values to obtain favorable loans and tax benefits. The trial — which concluded in early 2024 — resulted in a $355 million fine against Trump’s company and sparked a firestorm of legal appeals and political accusations.

Critics, including Conway, argue that James’s focus on Trump is less about enforcing the law and more about advancing her political career.

Crime is exploding in New York City — murders, fentanyl, human trafficking — and yet Letitia James is chasing down real estate valuations from 2011,” Conway said in the interview.She’s still relevant because her party needs her to be.”

Supporters of James push back, saying she’s simply holding the powerful accountable — regardless of political affiliation. “Letitia James is doing the job voters elected her to do,” said Manhattan Councilwoman Erica Montes. “Just because someone is wealthy or famous doesn’t mean they’re above the law.”

 The Legal System as a Political Weapon?

Conway’s comments reflect a growing conservative narrative: that Democratic prosecutors, particularly in blue states, are using their legal powers to wage ideological battles against Republican figures.

This belief intensified following multiple legal challenges against Trump, including federal charges in the January 6 investigation, the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case, and the Georgia election interference probe.

But it was the New York civil fraud trial, spearheaded by James, that many on the right view as particularly suspect — largely because it wasn’t criminal in nature and did not require proof “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

It’s trial by narrative,” said constitutional law professor Greg Thomas of Georgetown University. “Conservatives see a pattern — that lawfare has replaced political debate. And Letitia James is now the face of that shift.”

Conway’s phrasing — “the unfortunate reason she’s still relevant” — points to a belief that James’s political staying power is not grounded in legal competence or public trust, but in her utility to a broader partisan agenda.

 Is There Merit to Conway’s Criticism?

While Conway’s critique is clearly partisan, some of her concerns aren’t without precedent.

A 2024 report by the New York State Commission on Prosecutorial Conduct noted that public confidence in impartial legal enforcement had declined significantly over the past five years — especially in high-profile cases involving national political figures.

Among the top complaints were concerns about:

Selective enforcement — i.e., prosecutors targeting specific individuals rather than applying uniform standards.

Pre-trial publicity designed to influence public opinion before court outcomes.

Timing of indictments or suits in relation to elections or public events.

Although the commission did not single out James by name, her office has been cited multiple times for high-profile press conferences that critics say are designed more for optics than for legal necessity.

Conway is putting a spotlight on something real, even if her rhetoric is harsh,” said political analyst Mason Dillard. “The question isn’t whether Letitia James has legal authority — she clearly does. The question is whether she’s using it responsibly, or for political advancement.”

 The Media’s Role in Keeping James ‘Relevant’

Conway also blamed the media for amplifying James’s presence:

They need her. She fits the narrative. They don’t want to talk about the economy, border failure, or crime. So they talk about Trump, and they need a villain to do that. That’s her job.”

She’s not wrong about visibility. According to data from MediaWatch, Letitia James was mentioned more than 9,400 times in mainstream media coverage during the first half of 2025 — more than any other state attorney general. Her press conferences are frequently aired live on MSNBC and CNN, with coverage often adopting the framing provided by her office.

By contrast, her involvement in cases of local violence or gang activity receives significantly less attention, raising concerns about media priorities and bias.

 A Political Future?

Perhaps the most intriguing question behind James’s continued relevance is whether she has national ambitions.

Following her high-profile work against Trump and other conservative figures, some Democratic strategists have floated James as a future Senate or gubernatorial candidate. Her national name recognition, fundraising power, and appeal to progressive activists could make her a formidable figure in upcoming cycles.

Conway referenced this directly:

This isn’t about Trump. This is about 2028. She wants to be on a debate stage. And this is how she gets there.”

While James has not publicly announced any future political intentions, her PAC activity and out-of-state fundraising tours suggest that she is, at the very least, building a broader network.

A Deeper Divide Over Justice and Accountability

Conway’s comments, while incendiary to some, tap into a broader national anxiety: Is the American legal system still impartial? Or is it another battleground in the never-ending political war?

Supporters of Letitia James see her as a brave figure standing up to the abuse of power. Her critics see her as a careerist exploiting the law for personal and partisan gain.

In the end, her “relevance” — the very thing Conway attacked — may not lie in what she’s doing today, but in what her continued prominence says about the state of American democracy.

Conclusion: An Uncomfortable Truth for Both Sides

Kellyanne Conway’s assertion that Letitia James is “still relevant” for unfortunate, politically driven reasons has sparked a firestorm — and it won’t die down anytime soon. Whether one views James as a defender of justice or a political opportunist, her prominence underscores a legal system increasingly seen through a partisan lens.

For better or worse, James’s role in America’s political and legal battles is far from over. And if Conway’s prediction proves accurate, her next move may not be in a courtroom — but on a campaign stage.