AG Letitia James Seeks Dismissal of Mortgage Fraud Charges

Lawyers representing New York Attorney General Letitia James submitted a motion on Friday to dismiss the mortgage fraud charges initiated against her by the Trump administration, claiming that the case is politically driven.

According to the motion, “The government’s prosecution of Attorney General James arises from the president’s true animosity towards her efforts to protect her campaign speech and fulfill her responsibilities as New York’s attorney general.” It further asserts, “This indictment results from a vengeful and selective prosecution that violates the Fifth Amendment.”

The filing highlights various remarks made by President Trump to illustrate that the charges against James stem from personal hostility related to her lawsuit against him and his businesses while serving as attorney general.

It claims:

The lawsuit and AG James’ vocal criticism of the president initiated six years of targeted assaults. Trump and his supporters have employed a range of derogatory terms to belittle James and seek criminal penalties as retaliation for her legal rights and duties as New York State Attorney General.

Included in the motion are various pejorative labels Trump has used to describe James, such as “twist,” “scum,” “monster,” and “criminal.”

Interestingly, the motion recognizes James’ campaign promise to hold Trump accountable, noting the more cautious statements she made during her 2018 run for office.

James’ campaign focused on the necessity of holding powerful individuals accountable for legal violations, which included addressing President Trump amidst ongoing investigations and serious allegations against him. In her victory speech, she stated, “You should know that we here in New York, especially me, are not afraid of you” and promised to expose the truth regarding his real estate dealings.

Breitbart News Editor-in-Chief Alex Marlowe remarked on the situation, suggesting that James targeted Trump legally before her office had gathered sufficient evidence.

Marlowe also referred to her courtroom actions that led to Trump being fined nearly $500 million for loan fraud.

This isn’t surprising. James had campaigned against Trump, indicating she looked forward to suing him and would be “a pain in his ass.” Following the verdict, she began mocking him on social media, posting frequent updates about the interest he would owe. This, Marlowe asserts, violates his due process and equal protection rights.

The charges against AG James present further irony considering the loan fraud case she brought against the president.

The Justice Department accused James of falsifying mortgage documents to gain favorable terms on a modest home purchase in Norfolk, Virginia, to which she has pleaded not guilty.

In 2022, James filed a lawsuit against Trump, his three older children, and his business, claiming he overvalued his properties to secure loans without providing damages to the lenders involved.

This case resulted in a significant $350 million judgment in New York Civil Court, which escalated to over $500 million with interest. While the Court of Appeal reversed the fine, the fraud charge still stands.

Both parties have appealed the case.

If the charges are not dismissed, James’ trial is set for January.