New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat and longtime critic of President Donald Trump, has been indicted on charges of bank fraud and making false statements on a mortgage application. A federal grand jury in Virginia accused James of misrepresenting a Norfolk property purchase in 2020, claiming it would be a secondary residence when it was allegedly used as an investment property. The false statement reportedly helped her secure a lower interest rate, saving around $19,000 over the loan’s lifetime.
James maintains her innocence, calling the indictment “a continuation of the president’s desperate weaponization of our justice system.” Her attorney, Abbe Lowell, argued the case was politically motivated, pointing to Trump’s recent public calls for investigations into his critics. James is scheduled to appear in federal court on October 24 before Judge Jamar Walker, a Biden appointee.
The charges come shortly after similar indictments against former FBI Director James Comey, further fueling claims of political retribution. Both indictments were brought by newly appointed U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan, raising concerns about impartiality within the Justice Department. Halligan replaced Erik Siebert, who reportedly resigned after questioning the strength of the cases.
James previously led a high-profile civil fraud case against Trump and his company, resulting in a $454 million penalty that was later overturned by a New York appeals court. The long-standing feud between Trump and James has intensified, with Democrats accusing the administration of using the Justice Department to target political enemies.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer condemned the move, calling it “what tyranny looks like,” while Trump allies insist the prosecutions are legitimate. James, however, vowed to remain in office and fight the charges, signaling another flashpoint in America’s ongoing political and legal battles.