Trump Calls for Firing of Virginia Prosecutor
President Trump expressed on Friday that he believes top attorneys in Virginia should be dismissed for not pursuing allegations against New York Attorney General Letitia James.
In a conversation from the Oval Office, Trump was asked if he wanted to see Eric Sheebert, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, removed due to his management of allegations of mortgage fraud involving James.
“Yeah, I want him out,” Trump responded firmly when questioned about Sheebert’s position.
He noted his disapproval of Sheebert, pointing out that his appointment had the backing of Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both Democrats. “He was supported by two Democrat senators, but in my view, he’s one of the worst,” Trump commented.
As of Friday, the Justice Department had not provided any remarks regarding plans to dismiss Sheebert.
Earlier this week, ABC News reported that federal prosecutors were feeling pressure to pursue charges against James, despite the apparent lack of substantial evidence in the case.
The allegations against James stem from a referral by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which is overseen by Trump ally Bill Pulte, who claims that some of Trump’s adversaries misused loan terms.
Pulte has also extended his accusations to include Senator Adam Schiff and Federal Reserve member Lisa Cook, alleging similar mortgage fraud. All parties have denied these claims, describing the investigation as a blatant attempt to target individuals considered foes of the President. Schiff accused Trump of misrepresenting the ownership of his homes, while Cook, who shares a lawyer with James, referred to the allegations as mere “cut and paste” claims.
Pulte initially raised concerns regarding James’ Virginia mortgage situation in April. As of 2023, with property transactions and mortgages in Norfolk, Virginia, James is designated as the Attorney General of New York, requiring her primary residence to be there.
In terms of the case’s fate, it has been partially assigned to Ed Martin, a figure who has not been confirmed by the Senate as a U.S. attorney and was instead selected to lead a new working group within the Department of Justice focused on weaponization.
Both Pulte and Martin have indicated they are open to discussing the ongoing investigation, though investigators appear cautious about proceeding as they typically would before formal charges are laid.
Notably, Martin has been seen photographing James’ residence in New York, with Pulte also accusing her of fraudulent activity related to that property.
