New York Attorney General Letitia James, a known adversary of U.S. President Donald Trump, was charged with criminal offenses, including bank fraud, by the U.S. Justice Department. The government is targeting individuals who have investigated Trump or opposed his policies. Lindsey Halligan, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, stated that James faces charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a lending institution. These charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison each. James condemned the indictment as part of Trump’s misuse of the justice system for political retribution. Trump has criticized James on various platforms, labeling her as a political opponent. New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the Justice Department’s actions as an abuse of power to silence those holding the powerful accountable.
The indictment of James follows former FBI director James Comey’s indictment on charges of making false statements and obstructing an investigation. Trump has been critical of Comey’s handling of the Russia investigation. Both James and Comey’s indictments were brought by Halligan, who replaced her predecessor after Trump’s request. James defended her investigation into Trump, emphasizing that it was based on facts, not politics. The evidence against James was presented to the grand jury solely by Halligan, prompting concerns about the strength of the case. Comey’s legal team plans to challenge Halligan’s appointment as U.S. attorney, potentially affecting the cases against James and Comey.
James, among other Democratic state attorneys general, has sued the Trump administration in the past. Notably, James pursued a civil fraud case against Trump and his family, resulting in a significant penalty. Trump denied any wrongdoing and accused James of pursuing the case for political reasons. The Justice Department initiated a mortgage fraud investigation into James based on allegations of falsifying records to secure favorable loans. James’s lawyer clarified that she had mistakenly indicated a property as her primary residence, contrary to other documents. The Justice Department is also investigating mortgage fraud allegations against Schiff and Cook, although neither has been charged. Loans for primary residences typically have lower interest rates compared to investment properties or second homes.