In the wake of reports about possible financial improprieties, State Attorney General Letitia James is investigating the National Rifle Association (NRA). Her probe is drawing a sharp rebuke from President Donald Trump, who accused James of illegally using her office to go after the powerful gun rights group. James says she is following the facts, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo is jumping to the attorney general's defense.
"She has jurisdiction and she believes there may have been illegal activity and she is pursuing that case," Cuomo said in an interview on CNN. "The president's accusation that it is politically motivated is all garbage. We don't do that in New York state."
Trump attacked the investigation on Twitter on Monday.
"The NRA is under siege by Cuomo and the New York State A.G., who are illegally using the State's legal apparatus to take down and destroy this very important organization, & others," he wrote on Twitter.
The NRA is a tax-exempt non-profit that was chartered in New York, which means the attorney general's office has jurisdiction over it. The New York Times has reported on questionable money transfers between the NRA's foundation and the NRA. A Wall Street Journal investigation revealed that the NRA was awarding contracts to firms linked to top officials within the organization.
The attorney general's office would not comment on the specific nature of the investigation beyond saying that James has issued subpoenas.
In a statement in response to the president's remarks, the attorney general's office said, "Attorney General Letitia James is focused on enforcing the rule of law. In any case we pursue, we will follow the facts wherever they may lead. We wish the President would share our respect for the law."
Counsel to the NRA, William A. Brewer III, said in a statement: "The NRA will fully cooperate with any inquiry into its finances. The NRA is prepared for this, and has full confidence in its accounting practices and commitment to good governance."
James made it clear as a candidate that she intended to investigate the NRA. In an interview, she once referred to the group as a terrorist organization.