Post by : Rameen Ariff

New York, October 10, 2025 — New York Attorney General Letitia James, a longtime political critic of former US President Donald Trump, has been indicted on bank fraud charges, according to sources familiar with the matter. The indictment was returned on Thursday by a grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia, though the specific details of the charges have not been immediately disclosed.

The Justice Department has been investigating allegations of mortgage fraud against James, following a referral from Federal Housing Finance Agency Director William Pulte, a Trump appointee, who accused her of falsifying records to obtain favorable loans on properties in Virginia and Brooklyn. James’ lawyer, Abbe Lowell, has denied the allegations, calling them “baseless and long-discredited.”

Political Context

The indictment of Letitia James comes amid heightened political tensions between Trump and several Democratic officials who have investigated him or resisted his policies. James is well-known for bringing a civil fraud case against Trump and his family’s real estate company in 2022, which resulted in a $454.2 million penalty after a judge found that Trump had overstated his net worth to mislead lenders. While a New York state appeals court later threw out the penalty, it upheld the finding that Trump was liable for fraud. Both Trump and James’ office have appealed to the state’s highest court.

Trump, who has repeatedly criticized James on social media and at rallies, has denied any wrongdoing and has portrayed the case as politically motivated. He has framed the indictment as part of his broader campaign against officials who have challenged or investigated him.

Broader Legal Developments

James’ indictment follows the September 25 indictment of former FBI Director James Comey by a grand jury in Virginia, who faces charges of making false statements and obstructing a congressional investigation. Comey has pleaded not guilty.

The Justice Department’s mortgage fraud investigations have also looked into other Democratic figures, including Senator Adam Schiff and Federal Reserve Board member Lisa Cook, though neither has been charged with a crime and both deny wrongdoing.

Significance of the Indictment

As New York Attorney General, James has been a key figure in holding public officials and corporations accountable, particularly in cases involving financial misconduct. Her indictment on bank fraud charges marks a significant escalation in the ongoing political and legal clashes between the Trump-aligned federal government and Democratic state officials.

Authorities have not provided further details about the indictment, and James’ office has not issued an official comment. The case is expected to draw national attention due to her prominence and her role in high-profile cases against Trump and other political figures.

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