New York Attorney General Letitia James is pushing back forcefully after reports surfaced that President Donald Trump, ordered the Justice Department to investigate her.
In a defiant interview aired Thursday night, April 17, 2025, on NY1, James dismissed the allegations as “baseless” and described the federal referral for criminal prosecution as nothing more than political retaliation.
“I will not be silenced. I will not be bullied. I will not bend. I will not break. And I will not bow to anyone,” James declared.
The fiery remarks come just days after reports confirmed that federal officials referred James for potential criminal prosecution for alleged mortgage fraud involving properties in Virginia and Brooklyn, New York.
The referral letter, sent by William Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, accused James of falsifying bank documents and misrepresenting property details to obtain government-backed assistance and favorable loan terms.
Among the claims: that she misstated her residential status in Norfolk, Virginia to qualify for a lower mortgage rate, and that she acquired a five-unit property in Brooklyn using a loan intended for four-family homes.
Another eyebrow-raising allegation involves a 1983 mortgage document in which James and her father are accused of falsely claiming to be husband and wife.
Despite the serious nature of the claims, James was unwavering in her response, stating the timing and motivation behind the allegations are no coincidence.
“The allegations are nothing more than a revenge tour,” she told NY1. “My office was successful in securing a $454 million judgment against Donald Trump and others for exaggerating the value of his assets. He engaged in a pattern and practice of fraud.”
Earlier, James’ office responded to the allegations, calling them retaliation.
That civil fraud judgment, which is currently under appeal, has only deepened the acrimony between James and Trump, now a convicted criminal.
Trump and his allies have publicly and repeatedly criticized James since the verdict, with Trump labeling her investigation as politically motivated.
James, however, made it clear Thursday that her office is not backing down. She accused Trump of targeting law firms, universities, immigrants, women, and federal agencies, calling his recent actions part of a broader effort to sow chaos.
“No one is above the law, including the president of these United States,” she said.
James reiterated that her office is continuing to fight against executive orders she claims lack legal merit, adding that her focus remains on defending the rights and protections of both New Yorkers and Americans at large.
While the Justice Department has yet to comment publicly on the referral or confirm whether an investigation into James is underway, her camp views the allegations as an intimidation tactic meant to distract from Trump’s legal woes.
As of now, James remains undeterred—firm in her position and her pledge to hold the powerful accountable.
