New York Attorney General Letitia James pleaded not guilty to federal mortgage fraud charges, accusing the Trump administration of using the justice system as a 'tool of revenge' after she pursued a major civil fraud case against him.
New York Attorney General Letitia James, a prominent Democratic foe of Donald Trump, pleaded not guilty Friday in a federal mortgage fraud case in Virginia. James alleges the Trump administration is weaponizing the justice system as a 'tool of revenge' in retaliation for her successful civil fraud case against Trump and his companies. She is accused of lying on mortgage papers in 2020 to obtain favorable loan terms for a Norfolk home, allegedly claiming it as a second residence while renting it out. This indictment follows the ousting of the top federal prosecutor previously overseeing the investigation and public calls from Trump for action against his political adversaries. Lindsey Halligan, a former White House aide and Trump lawyer with no prior federal prosecution experience, was appointed and presented James's case to the grand jury. James's defense plans to argue vindictive prosecution and seek dismissal of the case. This is one of several recent federal charges brought against Trump adversaries, including former FBI Director James Comey and former National Security Adviser John Bolton, raising concerns that the government's law enforcement powers are being used for political retribution. The Justice Department defends the cases, while James's lawyers have also raised concerns about Halligan's communication with a reporter regarding the prosecution. A trial date has been set for January 26.
