Letitia James, the New York Attorney General known for spearheading the high-profile civil fraud lawsuit against former President Donald Trump, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Virginia on allegations of mortgage fraud.
This development, reported Thursday by several major news organizations including CNN and The Washington Post, represents a dramatic escalation in the ongoing conflict between Trump and some of his most vocal adversaries.
Sources indicate that the 66-year-old James is accused of mortgage fraud related to a property transaction involving her niece in Virginia during 2023. The case was initiated by Lindsey Halligan, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, who was appointed by Trump following the resignation of her predecessor, Erik Siebert.
Siebert reportedly resigned after informing Justice Department officials that there was insufficient evidence to pursue charges against James or former FBI Director James Comey, another prominent figure frequently at odds with Trump.
The Washington Post revealed that Halligan personally presented the evidence to the grand jury in Alexandria, Virginia, which subsequently returned the indictment on Thursday.
Patrick Fitzgerald, attorney for James Comey-who was indicted the previous day on separate charges of making false statements to Congress and obstruction-condemned the indictment as “a vindictive and selective prosecution.”
Comey, aged 64, entered a not guilty plea on Wednesday, with his trial scheduled for January 5. If convicted, he could face up to five years behind bars.
Since his return to the White House earlier this year, Trump has persistently called for legal action against individuals he perceives as political adversaries, including James, Comey, Democratic Senator Adam Schiff, and former National Security Adviser John Bolton.
“Attorney General Pam Bondi should take decisive steps against these corrupt officials,” Trump recently declared, a statement widely interpreted as an indication of his intent to use the judicial system to retaliate against critics.
James gained national attention after filing a civil fraud lawsuit against Trump and his real estate holdings, accusing him of inflating his net worth to obtain favorable loans and insurance agreements. A New York court initially ordered Trump to pay $464 million in penalties, though a higher court later stayed the financial penalties while affirming the fundamental aspects of the case.
The indictment of James has ignited fierce debate in Washington, with many viewing it as politically motivated retribution.
“This is not about justice; it’s about revenge,” a Democratic lawmaker told The Washington Post, accusing the Trump administration of weaponizing the Justice Department for political purposes.
Since assuming office in January, President Trump has launched what analysts describe as an extensive campaign of political retaliation, removing officials deemed disloyal, targeting law firms involved in previous cases against him, and cutting federal funding to universities perceived as antagonistic to his administration.
The Justice Department has yet to release an official comment regarding the charges against Letitia James, who continues to serve as New York’s attorney general. Her legal representatives have not made any public statements concerning the indictment.
