Photo: Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
Donald Trump has long vowed to retaliate against his political enemies, spending countless hours on the campaign trail recounting his grievances and calling for his rivals’ prosecutions. Since taking office, his administration has already taken measures to make the president’s goal a reality.
The New York Post reports a government agency has filed a federal criminal referral against New York attorney general Letitia James, alleging the longtime Trump adversary committed mortgage fraud. In a letter to the Justice Department, William Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, cited news reports that claimed James “falsified bank documents and property records to acquire government backed assistance and loans and more favorable loan terms.”
Pulte alleges James purchased a Norfolk, Virginia, property in 2023 and listed it as her primary residence in her mortgage application despite her job requiring her to reside in New York. The letter also accuses James of misrepresenting the number of units in a Brooklyn residence, which could result in more favorable loan terms.
“Ms. James, for both properties listed above, appears to have falsified records in order to meet certain lending requirements and receive favorable loan terms,” Pulte wrote.
James’s office appeared to write off the claims as politically motivated. “Attorney General James is focused every single day on protecting New Yorkers, especially as this Administration weaponizes the federal government against the rule of law and the Constitution. She will not be intimidated by bullies — no matter who they are,” a spokesman told the Post in a statement.
The accusations are somewhat ironic. In 2022, the attorney general filed a civil suit against Trump, alleging that he and his company committed business fraud by misrepresenting his net worth and the valuations of his properties in order to receive more favorable terms from lenders and banks. A judge found Trump and several of his employees liable for fraud and put him on the hook for a $355 million penalty plus interest. Trump has appealed the ruling.
Trump has sought to portray James as biased and corrupt, accusing her of being racist and calling for her to be imprisoned. In a recent Truth Social post, Trump shared a new article about the allegations against her, writing that she should step down. “Letitia James, a totally corrupt politician, should resign from her position as New York State Attorney General, IMMEDIATELY. Everyone is trying to MAKE NEW YORK GREAT AGAIN, and it can never be done with this wacky crook in office,” he said.
The referral against James is just the latest move that the federal government has taken to target its perceived enemies. Last week, Alina Habba, the interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey, said she had launched an investigation into Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matt Platkin over the state’s cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. In March, Trump revoked the federal security clearances for several current and former officials including James, Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg, Hillary Clinton, former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris.
