New York State Attorney General Letitia James congratulated President-elect Donald Trump on his presidential victory, but quickly warned during Wednesday’s press conference that her office was “ready to push back against any erosion of rights under the new administration.”

James and Trump have a strained relationship. In 2018, James fought to take on then-President Donald Trump, and in February she won a civil fraud case against Trump and top Trump Organization executives.

New York State Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron found Trump and his two sons guilty of fraud by overvaluing certain properties. Engoron ordered an initial penalty of $354 million, which increased to $464 million due to interest. Trump is also banned from serving as a director of any New York organization for three years.

In March, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post that James “is considered by many to be the WORST Attorney General in the United States.” In the same post, he wrote: “HHDon’t be afraid – if I become the 47th president, we’ll get there.” NEW YORK GREAT AGAIN!”

On Wednesday afternoon, James held a press conference reacting to Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election.

“I congratulate President-elect Donald Trump,” James said. She continued: “And if possible, we will work with his government. But we will not compromise our values, our integrity or our principles.”

Newsweek Trump’s campaign asked for comment via email on Wednesday.

James reiterated throughout her speech that her office is “ready to fight back,” adding that her office, as well as other Democratic attorneys general across the country, are “guardians of the law.”

Before Trump’s election, she warned that she was prepared to challenge the 2025 Project proposals.

Project 2025, a nearly 900-page document created by the conservative Heritage Foundation as a handbook with detailed guidelines for the next Republican president, outlines a dramatic expansion of presidential power.

It also proposes sweeping changes to reshape the federal government, including dismantling the Department of Education and the Department of Homeland Security.

She told New Yorkers on Wednesday: “We have contingency plans in place, so no matter what the next administration throws at us, we are ready. We are ready to respond to their attacks. We stand ready to respond to any attempts to reduce or eliminate any funding to the great state of New York.”

James said during the conference: “We will continue to stand firm in the face of injustice, revenge or retaliation.”