NEW YORK CITY — The Trump Administration’s Justice Department announced Friday it has launched a criminal investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James, one of the leading figures in the president’s legal battles.
The criminal probe stems from allegations by William Pulte, the head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), who claimed James had falsified records related to her real estate dealings. Specifically, the investigation is focused on a mortgage application in which James allegedly misrepresented her primary residence status for a property in Virginia.
James has consistently denied the allegations, asserting that she will not be intimidated by what she described as “bullying.”
The DOJ’s new investigation into James has significant implications not only for James but also for the broader political landscape in the US.
James was thrust into the spotlight after leading a civil fraud case against him that resulted in a substantial financial penalty. The civil case accused Trump and his organization of inflating asset values to secure favorable loan terms and insurance rates. The court found Trump liable for fraud, ordering him to pay $454 million.
The ruling fueled Trump’s ongoing narrative of victimization, framing the legal actions against him as politically motivated attacks.
The DOJ’s investigation into James has drawn attention for it being a criminal inquiry being directed at a law enforcement official who has taken significant legal action against a former president.
New York officials recently approved a budget that allocates $10 million to cover private legal expenses state employees incur as a result of federal investigations stemming from the employee’s work. As a state employee, James could be eligible to receive financial support for her legal defense.
More on the DOJ’s criminal investigation into Letitia James.
