The Justice Department is currently investigating potential complications surrounding a mortgage fraud inquiry associated with California Democratic Senator Adam Schiff. The investigation is being led by two Trump administration political appointees, Ed Martin and Bill Pulte.
A key witness in the case, California Republican Christine Bish, testified before a federal grand jury in Maryland on Thursday. Sources revealed that the grand jury sought to determine whether individuals falsely claimed to be affiliated with Martin or Pulte during the investigation. Bish has previously indicated she possesses information regarding Schiff related to his mortgages.
Following her testimony, Bish expressed to CNN that while her intent was to contribute information related to Schiff, investigators appeared more interested in exploring a supposed conspiracy or collusion involving herself and the appointed officials. She affirmed that her interaction with Martin and Pulte has been limited to casual exchanges on social media. Bish’s independent investigation into Schiff’s activities was presented to Pulte’s office earlier this year before being referred to the Justice Department, where it was assigned to Martin.
Schiff has been a long-standing adversary of former President Donald Trump, who recently called for Attorney General Pam Bondi to take legal action against him. Martin, meanwhile, has advocated for inquiries aligned with Trump’s interests, which further complicates the investigation’s context.
Despite the ongoing nature of the inquiry, Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecutors have shown hesitation in moving forward with any formal charges against Schiff. “If they’re trying to tie me into some kind of clandestine conspiracy, it’s not there,” Bish stated, emphasizing her commitment to transparency as she navigates the situation. She expressed a determination to uncover the truth, noting that inconsistencies remain.
Bish had previously appeared on Newsmax, claiming she possesses whistleblower support that could substantiate claims of Schiff’s alleged mortgage fraud. Nevertheless, she conveyed that the grand jury’s questions extended beyond the inquiry into Schiff. “They assured me that the focus of the investigation was Adam Schiff… but it seemed like they were looking for more,” she remarked.
Martin holds multiple positions within the Justice Department, including U.S. Pardon Attorney and Special Attorney for Mortgage Fraud. Alongside the mortgage fraud investigation, federal prosecutors are reviewing actions related to New York Attorney General Letitia James. James faces charges for allegedly making false statements to a bank regarding her mortgage and has pleaded not guilty.
Pulte’s role in this series of referrals has faced scrutiny for targeting prominent Democrats opposed by Trump, with concerns about the unconventional approaches leveraged in the investigative process. As the inquiry continues, the ramifications of these actions remain uncertain, particularly regarding the delineation of legal boundaries surrounding impersonation of federal officials.
The Justice Department has refrained from commenting on the ongoing investigation. As developments unfold, the political landscape remains charged, highlighting the intersection of politics and criminal inquiries in contemporary America.