AG James’ Aide Targeting Trump Won $795K From His DOJ
A New York prosecutor accused of targeting Trump associates previously won a $795,000 settlement from Trump's Justice Department over alleged race and gender discrimination.
Shamiso Maswoswe, who serves as Investor Protection Bureau Chief under Attorney General Letitia James, allegedly directed subordinate prosecutors to target individuals and organizations connected to Donald Trump. Court documents now reveal she secured a $795,000 settlement from the Justice Department in 2023 after filing a 2021 complaint that accused Trump’s DOJ of firing her in December 2017 based on her race, sex and childcare obligations.
Previous Discrimination Claims Against Trump Administration
Maswoswe’s federal lawsuit alleged she was terminated on the same day she completed a successful sentencing hearing following a major jury trial victory while working at the DOJ’s Public Integrity Section. According to the complaint, she was summoned to Human Resources amid colleagues celebrating her courtroom success. The settlement was finalized in Washington DC federal court on April 20, 2023, during the Biden administration and prior to Trump’s return to the White House.
The lawsuit claimed Maswoswe, hired by the DOJ in January 2016, faced discriminatory treatment after giving birth to a premature baby in November of that year. She maintained that following medical instructions to breastfeed her child with health complications did not compromise her professional performance, despite alleged objections from supervisors.
Allegations of Political Targeting Surface
Maswoswe now faces scrutiny after former Brooklyn Assistant District Attorney Matthew Wiesenfeld alleged in an email distributed to approximately 2,000 colleagues that she instructed him to pursue individuals affiliated with Trump for political purposes. The Times-Union first reported on Wiesenfeld’s since-deleted message.
In the Friday email, Wiesenfeld reportedly challenged his colleagues not to function as James’ personal attorneys in targeting political opponents. He has since been placed on paid administrative leave and has not made public statements regarding the matter.
James’ Long-Running Conflict With Trump
The Attorney General’s office has been locked in conflict with Trump for years. During her 2018 campaign, James publicly pledged to prosecute the president for crimes allegedly committed in New York State if elected to office.
In 2024, James’ office secured a $360 million civil judgment against Trump, his sons and his former company over claims they overstated New York property values and misrepresented his wealth. While the verdict was upheld on appeal, the substantial financial penalty was not preserved. Trump has repeatedly cited the case as evidence of politically motivated prosecution.
Maswoswe joined the Attorney General’s office in February 2022. On Sunday, James’ office characterized the current situation as a personnel matter and issued a statement affirming its commitment to protecting New Yorkers regardless of political affiliation, strongly rejecting any contrary assertions.
With information from New York Post
