New York Attorney General Letitia James is once again in the national spotlight—but this time, not for prosecuting powerful interests, but for being targeted herself.
According to New York Post, James, who famously led the civil fraud case against Donald Trump and the Trump Organization, is now facing a federal criminal referral over decades-old mortgage filings—allegations her office says are politically motivated.
The referral, made public via a letter from Federal Housing Finance Agency Director William Pulte to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, alleges discrepancies in James’s past mortgage records, including a recent property purchase in Virginia and a decades-old filing involving her father.
James’s office responded swiftly, calling the accusations a clear case of retaliation:
“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,” a spokesperson said. “She will not be intimidated by bullies – no matter who they are.”
Trump Allies Launch Attack Amid New Investigation
The allegations emerged the same day James announced a new investigation into President Trump for possible insider trading related to sudden shifts in tariff policy.
The timing of the federal referral has fueled criticism from legal experts and watchdogs who see the move as a strategic counteroffensive by the Trump administration.
James, 66, became a national figure after prosecuting Trump for inflating the value of his assets—leading to a $354 million judgment against him earlier this year.
The civil case, which concluded with Judge Arthur Engoron’s sweeping ruling, drew widespread praise from legal scholars who hailed James’s pursuit of financial accountability, regardless of political power.
Now, those same circles are rallying to her defense, pointing out that the mortgage claims being pushed against her are either decades old or based on technicalities with no established pattern of intent.
“This smells like revenge,” said one former federal prosecutor familiar with the case. “You don’t go after the sitting Attorney General of New York with this kind of reach unless you’re trying to send a message. And Letitia James doesn’t rattle easy.”
James’s Track Record Remains Unshaken
Since taking office, Letitia James has established herself as a fierce advocate for justice, consumer protection, and government accountability. She has pursued major cases against opioid manufacturers, corporate polluters, and financial scammers—earning her a reputation as one of the most fearless prosecutors in the country.
Despite intensifying political pressure, James has remained focused on her work and refuses to be distracted by what her office calls “baseless political theatrics.” Her response echoes the same resolve she showed during the Trump civil trial.
Meanwhile, Trump has made no secret of his desire to punish James and others who prosecuted him. He has repeatedly referred to her in inflammatory terms and, during the 2024 campaign, declared that she and Judge Engoron “should be arrested and punished accordingly.” In recent speeches, he vowed to “expel rogue actors” from government and labeled prosecutors like James “scum.”
Legal observers warn this pattern of personal vendettas from the White House may threaten the independence of law enforcement institutions, a cornerstone of American democracy.
James’s supporters, however, see this as another chapter in a long and determined fight for justice.
“She’s not just standing up for New Yorkers anymore,” one political ally noted. “She’s standing up for the rule of law at a time when it’s under attack.”
