New York Attorney General Letitia James, known for her aggressive legal pursuit of former President Donald Trump, is now under fire for allegations of mortgage fraud—charges that mirror those she brought against Trump.
The U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has referred James to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for potential prosecution, igniting accusations of hypocrisy and political retaliation.
Letitia James’ Legal Campaign Against Trump
Since taking office in 2019, Letitia James has made targeting Donald Trump a cornerstone of her tenure. In 2022, she filed a major civil fraud lawsuit against Trump, his company, and his three eldest children, accusing them of inflating asset values by billions to secure better loan and insurance terms.
In 2024, a New York judge ordered Trump to pay a $454 million judgment, which later ballooned to over $500 million with interest. James celebrated the ruling, declaring that “no one is above the law.”
Her office has continued its offensive, filing at least five lawsuits against the Trump administration in 2025 alone, including challenges to government efficiency programs and research funding cuts. Critics, including Trump, have accused James of “lawfare,” alleging she uses her authority to wage politically motivated attacks. Trump has called her a “corrupt politician” and claimed her investigations are a “witch hunt” to derail him.
DOJ Referral for Alleged Mortgage Fraud
On April 15, the FHFA referred James to the DOJ, alleging she falsified records to obtain favorable loan terms for properties in Virginia and New York. The referral highlights two transactions:
- Virginia Property (2023): James purchased a $240,000 home in Norfolk, Virginia, with a $219,780 mortgage, allegedly claiming it as her primary residence. This raises issues, as New York law requires the attorney general to reside primarily in the state. Misrepresenting residency could have secured a lower mortgage rate, potentially constituting fraud.
- Brooklyn Property (2001): James allegedly misrepresented a five-unit Brooklyn property as a four-unit structure in mortgage applications and permits. This could have qualified her for better loan terms under federal programs, possibly lowering her mortgage rate by up to 1%.
Did James marry her father or just fraudulently identify dad as husband?
Some reports also claim James listed her father as her husband in mortgage documents, a potentially misleading act. Recent legal precedent emphasizes that only “knowing false statements” constitute fraud under certain statutes, leaving uncertainty about whether James’ actions meet this standard.
The DOJ has confirmed it received the referral but has not yet reviewed it. No charges have been filed, and the allegations are still under investigation.
Letitia James’ Response to the Allegations
James’ office has dismissed the allegations as a politically driven attack orchestrated by the Trump administration.
A spokesperson stated, “Attorney General James is focused on protecting New Yorkers, especially as this administration weaponizes the federal government against the rule of law. She will not be intimidated.”
When pressed about the claims, James said, “I’m not fearful of Donald Trump.”
Her office has not directly addressed the specific allegations regarding the Virginia or Brooklyn properties or clarified the residency and property unit discrepancies.
Legal observers note the irony. One former prosecutor remarked that claiming a property as a primary residence to secure lower rates could constitute mortgage fraud—precisely what James accused Trump of. Another attorney suggested that while the allegations may not impact the Trump fraud case, they could damage James politically, as critics will seize on her apparent double standard.
A Case of Irony or Retribution?
The allegations have sparked heated discussion, with many pointing out the “crushing irony” of James facing accusations similar to those she leveled against Trump. Some demand her resignation, while others argue the referral is blatant retaliation by Trump, who revoked James’ security clearance in February 2025 and has repeatedly called for her removal.
As the DOJ evaluates the referral, the case could escalate into a major legal showdown, further polarizing an already divisive political climate. For James, the allegations threaten her reputation as a champion of accountability, especially given her stance that “everyday Americans cannot lie to a bank.”