Letitia James Seeks Dismissal in Mortgage Fraud Case/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a motion to dismiss a federal mortgage fraud case, calling it politically motivated and vindictive. She argues the prosecution stems from her legal battles with Donald Trump. The Justice Department’s move is seen by James as a retaliatory strike driven by Trump’s allies.
Letitia James Fraud Case Quick Looks
- Letitia James files motion to dismiss federal mortgage fraud case.
- Calls case political retaliation for fraud lawsuit against Trump and his company.
- Trump accused of inciting prosecution, calling James “crooked,” “scum,” and “criminal.”
- Alleges selective prosecution, comparing her treatment to Trump allies.
- James charged with mortgage fraud in Virginia, pleads not guilty.
- Prosecutor appointed by Trump, lacks prosecutorial experience.
- Trump publicly pressured DOJ, urging action against political foes.
- James previously secured a major fraud ruling against Trump Organization.
- Appeals court overturned $500M fine, but upheld fraud findings.
Deep Look
Letitia James Says Federal Mortgage Fraud Case Is Politically Motivated, Requests Dismissal
In a dramatic legal counterattack, New York Attorney General Letitia James has formally asked a federal judge to dismiss the mortgage fraud case filed against her, labeling it as a vindictive, politically charged move orchestrated by President Donald Trump and his administration. The motion, submitted Friday in federal court, accuses the Justice Department of targeting James solely because of her past legal actions against Trump, including a high-profile fraud lawsuit against him and the Trump Organization.
James’ legal team argues that the indictment — which accuses her of lying on mortgage applications to obtain favorable terms for a home purchase in Norfolk, Virginia — is rooted in a desire for retribution. She pleaded not guilty to the charges last month and publicly denounced the case as “a tool of revenge” used by Trump’s Justice Department.
“This lawsuit, and AG James’ outspoken criticism of the President, triggered six years of targeted attacks,” her attorneys wrote. They cited repeated verbal assaults by Trump, who has referred to James using terms like “crooked,” “scum,” “a monster,” and “criminal.” These insults, the filing suggests, were part of a broader campaign to discredit her and push for her prosecution in retaliation for her actions as New York’s top law enforcement officer.
The motion closely mirrors a defense strategy previously used by another prominent Trump critic — former FBI Director James Comey — who also claimed the criminal case against him was fueled by political vengeance.
James’ lawyers argue the case against her exemplifies a “vindictive prosecution,” highlighting that the Department of Justice has not pursued similar mortgage discrepancies involving other public officials — many of whom are allies or cabinet members of Trump. “The only meaningful difference between AG James and these individuals,” the motion claims, “is that AG James is a Democratic Attorney General who spoke out against the President.”
The case was filed in Virginia, where James owns a modest home. Notably, the lead prosecutor is Lindsey Halligan, a former White House aide with no prior prosecutorial background. Halligan was appointed after Erik Siebert, the U.S. attorney overseeing both James and Comey’s cases, was effectively pushed out by the Trump administration for not pursuing charges.
Following Siebert’s departure, Trump publicly called on Attorney General Pam Bondi to prosecute James and other perceived enemies. In a forceful social media post,
Trump wrote: “JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!” He added that delays in pursuing these cases were harming the credibility of his administration, which has itself been mired in multiple legal controversies, including Trump’s own impeachment and indictments.
Letitia James, who was first elected New York Attorney General in 2018, has become one of Trump’s most vocal and legally effective critics. She secured a landmark civil fraud judgment against Trump and the Trump Organization, arguing they intentionally misrepresented the value of their real estate holdings to obtain favorable financial treatment. That judgment led to a court-ordered penalty that ballooned to over $500 million with interest before being overturned by an appeals court. However, the court still upheld the ruling that Trump had committed fraud.
This background, her legal team insists, is critical context for understanding the true motive behind the current prosecution. According to the defense, James’ efforts to hold Trump accountable have made her a prime target in a politically weaponized justice system that now seeks to discredit her in return.
The judge overseeing the case has not yet ruled on the motion to dismiss, but the case is shaping up to be yet another flashpoint in the ongoing legal and political battles between Trump and his critics.
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