WASHINGTON – President Trump referred to New York Attorney General Letitia James as “a complete fraudster” on Tuesday, noting that the Department of Justice would “do the right thing” following a criminal referral about alleged mortgage fraud.
He made these comments while appearing in the Oval Office after Attorney General Pam Bondy spoke with reporters.
“I would say it’s irrelevant to that. She’s a disaster for New York. A scary, horrible person, and in my opinion, a complete con artist,” Trump stated.
“Pam can do what she sees fit,” he added.
“She’s a very, very bad person who campaigned on the promise of getting Donald Trump, repeatedly. I think she’s sick. But that doesn’t have anything to do with Pam’s role,” he said.
A spokesperson for James dismissed the fraud allegations, stating she would not engage with personal attacks.
“AG James is dedicated to protecting New Yorkers and upholding the law. This isn’t about personal attacks from anyone,” the spokesperson remarked.
James, a Democrat, previously won a ruling for $364 million, accusing Trump of inflating asset values to secure better loan terms. As part of that decision, Trump’s sons, Eric and Donald Jr., were ordered to pay $4 million each.
Last month, penalties had reportedly climbed past $500 million amidst ongoing lawsuits initiated by Trump.
The allegations related to James also delve into financial statement discrepancies.
Pulte’s criminal referral to Bondy referenced media claims of multiple instances in which James allegedly “falsified bank documents and property records to secure government-backed assistance and loans, as well as advantageous lending terms.”
“This includes misrepresenting property descriptions to qualify for government-supported loans,” Pulte’s document indicated.
In August 2023, James reportedly stated that her Norfolk home would serve as her main residence.
“Primary mortgages generally come with better terms, such as lower interest rates compared to secondary properties,” Pulte explained.
James is also accused of listing a five-unit Brooklyn residence, despite only owning four units since 2001, potentially misleading Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac regarding eligibility.
“Properties with more than four units are typically categorized as apartment complexes, requiring larger down payments and higher interest rates,” Pulte noted.
James’ lawyer, Abbe Lowell, refuted the allegations in a letter to Bondy on April 24, stating there were misunderstandings in both cases.
Lowell asserted that the Norfolk documentation wasn’t fraudulent, as James’ niece intended to live there, though it mistakenly indicated it was her main residence. Additionally, the lawyers argued that James had accurately represented the Brooklyn property’s status.
