New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a motion on Friday requesting that a federal judge dismiss a mortgage fraud case brought against her, claiming the prosecution is a politically motivated attack orchestrated by President Trump, whom she has publicly criticized. The motion suggests that personal animosity fueled by James’ civil fraud lawsuit against Trump has resulted in a targeted campaign of harassment against her.
In her legal filing, James’ attorneys highlighted the vitriolic language used by Trump and his associates to undermine her credibility. They noted that Trump’s descriptions of James have included terms like “crooked” and “criminal,” which they argue reflect a larger pattern of intimidation and calls for punitive measures against her for fulfilling her duties as attorney general.
James is accused of falsifying information on mortgage documents to secure favorable loan terms for a home in Norfolk, Virginia. She has maintained her innocence and stated last month that the legal pursuit is a retaliatory move by the Trump administration. Her legal team has emphasized that the circumstances surrounding the indictment appear inconsistent with the treatment of other public officials whose mortgage records lack scrutiny.
Citing examples of other prominent figures, such as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who have faced similar allegations without being prosecuted, James’ lawyers argue that the only distinction lies in her political affiliation and history of standing up against the president. They contend that this is a clear indication of vendetta rather than legitimate legal action.
The circumstances surrounding the selection of U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan to handle the case have also raised concerns for James’ team. They assert that Halligan was strategically placed into the role by Trump after the resignation of the previous U.S. attorney, implying that the appointment was intended to further his agenda against his adversaries.
James has been a formidable opponent to Trump, notably after winning a significant judgment against him for inflating real estate values to deceive banks—an outcome that has continued to fuel tensions between the two. Despite an appeals court reversing the initial monetary penalty, a lower court’s finding of fraud remains intact. Trump has consistently denied all claims against him, reflecting the ongoing battle between his administration and the New York Attorney General’s office.
James, who made history as the first woman elected to the position of New York’s attorney general in 2018, remains steadfast in her defense, challenging what she describes as an abuse of the judicial system to silence dissent. As this case progresses, it underscores broader themes of political rivalry and the challenges faced by public officials who stand against powerful figures.